“Our favourite part of the day was the drinks reception, it was so laid back we had magician Shane Black entertaining the guests with his amazing tricks, while Ed The Swing Singer sang from the staircase, all while sipping Champagne.”
The couple: Sarah Grainger & Michael Dixon
Length of engagement: 2.5 years | Wedding date: 12th April 2013
Wedding location: Moyvalley Hotel & Balyna House
Photographer: Tanya, Eden Photography
We met… In a local Pub where Mick was the manager. After a few too many drinks I got chatting to Mick, and as they say the rest is history.
Our proposal… I was convinced mick was going to propose on Christmas eve and I waited up for him to get home from work, finally at 3am he came in the door and I presented him with his present “a puppy” and he went to bed. Next morning after our daughter Naoise who was two at the time opened her Christmas presents, I turned around and Mick was on one knee and needless to say I said yes!
My dress… I searched months for my dress and finally found the Pronovias Diango (view the Pronovias 2014 collection here) in Frilly Frocks, the girls were so friendly and helpful and helped me design the cape I wanted. I wore a cathedral veil and Jenny Packham hair comb.
My make-up… My make-up was done by Aibhe Lynch.
Our wedding theme/colours... as the wedding was in April we focused on spring colours and plenty of pastels and white, I’m not a lover of all the bling and I wanted to keep things simple.
Our ceremony… Was in Johnstownbridge in St. Patrick’s church, which is a lovely small church. Fr. Breen gave us a ceremony which felt quite intimate among our 100 guests.
We chose our photographer because… I had seen some of Tanya’s (Eden Photography) work and after meeting with her I knew we had to book her. She made us feel so comfortable.
We chose our venue because… Moyvalley was perfect for us as it is exclusively for weddings so our guests were the only people there, we had our drinks reception in Balyna house followed by our meal and evening reception in the hotel. It has beautiful grounds for photos and for enjoying the day.
My favourite part of the wedding day… Our favourite part of the day was the drinks reception, it was so laid back we had magician Shane Black entertaining the guests with his amazing tricks, while Ed The Swing Singer sang from the staircase, all while sipping Champagne.
Our honeymoon… Unfortunately our one year old son Rian was sick after the wedding and had to be admitted to hospital, we missed our honeymoon, we had a week away with the kids soon after and are heading to Portugal for honeymoon – just the two of us for a week!
My piece of advice for other brides… Don’t let anyone come between you and your perfect day, everyone will have their own opinion and at the end of the day it’s up to you and your husband. Enjoy every minute of the planning.