A dream wedding day comes true

By Carina Monteith • 7 years ago

Jul
2017

Carina Monteith looks back on the beautiful wedding of Lifford couple Shannon Dolan and John Lafferty.

This month Team Bride was invited to help a lovely Lifford couple with their dream wedding.

I have known Shannon and John for many years and have been sitting in the hairdresser’s chair listening to Shannon’s plans and ideas over the last year and a half. Every hair appointment left Shannon with a new ‘To-Do’ list as I made sure to keep her focused!!

All the planning and hard work paid off and we all enjoyed a fabulous day of sunshine and celebrations on July 8th.

From all the conversations I’ve had with Shannon during the planning process it was always going to be about THE dress! I knew straight away that Shannon would love the new Julie Vino Collection that was due to arrive exclusively to McElhinneys Bridal Rooms. Shannon surprised everyone when she declared ‘this is it!’ from behind the curtain – it was only the third dress!.

The morning of the wedding was surprisingly chilled out and I loved being there to help Shannon and her girls get ready. The fabulously talented Mustafa from Yez Lifestyle Photography was on hand and joked that I am at as many weddings as he is these days!

With a fab sunny day we had lots of photos at the house before Classey Wedding Cars arrived to take the Bride and her Dad to the church in a stunning Vintage Bentley. I made sure to pack our Team Bride Photo Picnic into the boot for the Bridal Party to enjoy during the photo session.

Arriving at Murlog Chapel the nerves set in for Shannon when she saw the crowd of people waiting outside to get a peak! The nerves melted away as she walked up the aisle to see John standing there waiting for her alongside their eldest son Jacob (young Caleb was busy breaking hearts with his cuteness as he escorted the Mother of the Bride up the aisle!).

Following the ceremony, the Bridal Party headed off in a stretch Limo from Vogue Limo Hire to the scenic surroundings of Dunmore Gardens for photos and made great use of the picnic while the guests were treated to a champagne reception and music from the Bentley Boys in the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny.

According to Shannon’s Granda Jim, Shannon eyed John up when she spotted him sitting on the windowsill of Old Daly’s Shop in Lifford. She decided that he was the man for her and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Shannon’s Dad Jay mentioned during his speech that he liked John as soon as he met him which I thought was just lovely and John’s Dad is still waiting on Shannon to make him a cup of tea – I think he’ll have a bit of a wait

The wedding was just wonderful from start to finish and I could write about it all day but I fear I may be boring you at this stage!! Thank you, John and Shannon, for allowing me to be involved in your big day, I wish you and your gorgeous boys a life of love and happiness.