The Marleys say ‘Yes’ in Italy and ‘I Do’ in Donegal
FROM a surprise proposal in Italy to a meticulously planned dream wedding in Donegal, the past three years have been a whirlwind romance for the Marleys.
The couple first met in 2023, despite having shared many mutual connections over the years.
Madly in love, the following year the couple spent teacher Katie’s midterm break exploring Italy, and it was there, in a secluded corner of Burano Island, that Jason dropped to one knee and asked the Laghey woman to marry him.
To say I wasn’t expecting it would be an understatement,” Katie told the Donegal News.
“I didn’t even think it would be on the cards yet.”
The couple spent the remainder of their holiday celebrating in their own little bubble, with talk quickly turning to plans for their big day.
“Because we were away on the holiday, we had time to get talking about our ideal, dream day,” Katie said. “It was brilliant because when we got home to Donegal, we kind of knew what we wanted.”
Katie and Jason pictured on their wedding day in Barnesmore Gap.
With a shared love for the county, the pair always knew they would celebrate their wedding close to home.
And with the Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey top of their list of venues to visit, it was love at first sight.
After meeting the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Emma, the couple settled on a Saturday date to suit Katie’s teaching schedule, and the rest quickly fell into place.
“It all worked out so well,” Katie said.
“To be honest, the planning was so easy; there was no stress at all.
“Emma was great, any questions or queries we had, she was always so helpful. She was a big part of our day as well.”
Tying the knot last October, the couple began their perfect day at St Brigid’s Church in Ballintra, before posing for photographs along Barnesmore Gap.
“I’m from Laghey and Jason is from Glenfin,” Katie said.
“We felt it kind of bridged the two areas together.”
The Cappry Suite in the Villa Rose.
Blessed with good weather, the couple’s next stop was the Villa Rose for their reception, where over 200 guests were already enjoying a drinks reception.
“It was a lovely, relaxed, chilled setting before we were called into The Cappry Suite for the dinner,” Katie said.
“The food was unbelievable and actually, it is something that everyone has said to us since.
“The Villa Rose is known for good food anyways, it is something you always hear when you talk to people who got married there.
“The food was amazing, the service was brilliant, and I honestly couldn’t fault it.”
As the night unfolded, the wedding band ‘Top of the Pops’ took to the stage, playing late into the wee hours.
Asked whether she would recommend the Villa Rose to other couples, Katie said the hotel offered the “whole package”.
“The reception area is lovely, they do a great job with the meal and the rooms are really nice and spacious,” Katie said.
“Basically, everyone that we have spoken to after the wedding said they really enjoyed it, so I definitely would recommend it.
“We are actually going back now for Mother’s Day for a night away.
“We had such a lovely time at the wedding; it is a place we will keep going back to.”
