Their story
They met for the first time at a music show in the south east, where he was performing. A great night was had by all. She still says he could not keep his eyes off her. He proclaims the opposite.
That same night, she and her girlfriends were stuck for a lift home, so he, the gentleman he is, offered to get them home safely, dropping her off last, of course. He slipped her his business card as she was getting out of the car and left her under no illusions as to his intentions, with a little peck on the cheek.
And from that day on,
it got stronger and stronger.
They both have a great love of music. He asked her if she liked Elvis. She replied, "I like you." He quipped back instantly, "It's Now or Never, baby." I think that was the start of a very interesting relationship.
They both play instruments and can be found on YouTube singing "Summer Wine" together. I am told the video was recorded at four o'clock in the morning after a few glasses of their own wine. Ah, sure, that's allowed. It was lockdown, and people had to amuse themselves.
They share a love of seeing new places. Coming out of the COVID years they travelled a lot, enjoying each other's company. They could not stay away from each other. They sang songs together, attended concerts, and never missed an opportunity to party or be part of any celebration that came their way.
It was around that time she decided to move closer to him, leaving her home county behind for a new one. It wasn't long before she got to know the town, and the town got to know her.
It was on a beach abroad, in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea, that he popped the question. She immediately said yes. That night in the club where he was singing, he announced to the crowd that he had proposed earlier that day, and that she had accepted. How romantic that day was, in the beautiful sunshine and the wonderful atmosphere of that night.
Now, anyone who knows the bride will know of her love for fashion and her eye for a bargain. He tells me that on the way home, there were two very heavy bags on the plane. Dresses, tops, boots and shoes all jammed into the cases. The more he asked her to stop buying, the more she bought.
It is much the same craic when they visit their little apartment abroad. He loves the sun and a few glasses of vino during the day, while she loves walking the seafront, striking a bargain with the local lads, buying handbags and jewellery never to see daylight again.
They certainly bring the best out in each other with their mutual love of the good things in life. Fulfilling their dream of being husband and wife will seal their love and affection for one another, and they have come here today to show that love in public and in front of us all.
They are a wonderful couple who look forward to spending the rest of their lives together, loving and caring for each other. I feel very privileged to be a part of their special day.
"Life is too short
to do without love."
· Names removed at the couple's request ·