Donegal Woman hears the stories behind the wedding day photos of local couple Alma and Stephen Gallagher:
Photographs shared by Pamela Bloe Photography
Alma Stewart and Stephen Gallagher were married on the 18th of November 2017 on an unforgettable day of fun personal moments.
Alma, an accounting technician from Donegal Town, and Stephen, who works in Towney Bay Weaving in Kilcar met almost 10 years ago during the Harvest Fair in Glenties. A night in the Limelight brought them together, and Stephen proposed seven years later in Amsterdam.
Pamela Bloe Photography
“It was the fourth time that he tried to propose to me that night before I realised that’s what he was trying to do!” Alma told Donegal Woman.
“The ring was in his shoe in his bag on the way there, and he was terrified I’d find it. I took his bag in the airport because mine was so heavy, and I always get stopped in security,” she said.
Thankfully Alma wasn’t stopped this time, and on the 1st of June 2016, Stephen attempted a romantic proposal on a canal boat in the Dutch city.
“We went for dinner on the boat, he hung back afterwards, but typical me rushed him to get off the boat. He finally proposed back at the hotel when he made me sit still to listen to what he was trying to say!” Alma recalled.
Their wedding took place at Christ Church Mountcharles, Alma’s childhood church, which was made all the more special as Rev. Kevin Mc Laughlin returned for the ceremony.
Pamela Bloe Photography
Pamela Bloe Photography
The beautiful surrounds of The Hall House, a country estate in Mountcharles, were used as the backdrop for their first photo session as a married couple with photographer Pamela Bloe.
Alma knew that there was a chance that the bridesmaids heels getting wet, so stylish wellies were employed for the photo shoot.
Pamela Bloe Photography
Pamela Bloe Photography
A stand-out photo was captured of Alma and Stephen lying on a bed of autumnal leaves – but how did they save the dress?
“The videographer laid out a blanket, and we had plenty of groomsmen to lift me onto the ground,” Alma explained.
“James Carr of JC Media was our videographer and he was just amazing, we were so impressed with his relaxed yet professional style” the newlyweds added.
Pamela Bloe Photography
The dress escaped unharmed and the result was a stunning shot by Pamela to last a lifetime. Alma did change into a second dress at her wedding reception, and choose a tea dress to move freely on the dancefloor. “The legs can only do so much dancing in a fitted dress,” she said.
Alma’s two dresses were from Simones of Sligo, the bridesmaids dresses were bought online and the groomsmen’s suits were from Tomorrows Bridal Emporium in Derry.
Pamela Bloe Photography
Kee’s Hotel in Stranorlar was the venue for the reception, which Alma said was a fantastic choice.
“It’s a real family-run hotel, and you would know from the second you meet them. Everything was fantastic,” she said.
Highlights from the evening were the special speeches and the priceless musical moments.
“My mum had a stroke 10 years ago, and to have her there and making a speech on the day was very special. Stephen is not a public speaker and I was exceptionally proud of him too,” Alma said.
Alma surprised everyone when she joined the Rockhill Ramblers to start a night of dancing. A great music fan, she sang ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’ and ‘Blanket on the Ground’ – her personal party piece. It was only Stephen who knew that Alma would sing, and the unique moment was an unforgettable surprise for everyone else.
The disco, provided by Aaron Doherty from Kilcar had everyone on their feet. Alma and Stephen bought blow up instruments, wigs and other party wear for their guests to have a bit of fun with for the last few hours of dancing.
“At one stage of the disco when I wasn’t out on the floor myself I looked around and everyone was having such a blast, wigs, sunglasses and saxophones galore!,” Alma said.
Pamela Bloe Photography
Alma also shared her love of baking with their guests, by making some cupcakes to accompany their Disney-themed cake.
The newlyweds jetted off to Lanzarote on a ‘minimoon’ for five days after the wedding. They enjoyed a well-earned break in the sun before spending their first Christmas in their new home.
Alma and Stephen’s big honeymoon is in April this year, they are looking forward to visiting Orlando and cruising around the Caribbean.
See more photos from their wedding album, taking by the highly talented Pamela Bloe of Pamela Bloe Photography here:
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