“We wanted a very traditional fairytale real wedding, with spring flowers in full bloom for our claret-coloured wedding…”
How they met
“One of my closest friends actually goes out with Mark’s brother so I knew ‘of’ him before we ever met,” says Mairead. “I admired him from afar but didn’t think of him as boyfriend material – I’d heard he was a bit of a Romeo! Eventually his persistence paid off, however…”
The proposal
“We had a day out at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow in Ireland – one of my favourite places in the whole world,” remembers Mairead. “Mark turned to me and said, ‘While I’m with my favourite girl in her favourite place… will you marry me?’!”
The bride’s real wedding outfit
“After travelling up and down the country in search of ‘the one’, I ended up just popping round the corner and finding my dream real wedding dress at Always and Forever Bridal Boutique,” laughs Mairead. Designed by Trudy Lee, Mairead struck a romantic note in her ivory gown, scattered with crystal and diamanté detailing.
The groom’s outfit
“Mark wore a black, herringbone, Prince Edward suit, with an ivory satin scrunch tie to match my dress,” explains Mairead. Tyrers of St Helens kitted out this gorgeous groom.
The bridesmaids
Looking ravishing in red, Mairead’s three glamorous girls wore ballgown-style satin dresses from Always and Forever Bridal Boutique. “The girls were attentive, calming, and a brilliant influence on my nerves!” says Mairead.
The ceremony
Mairead and Mark had a full nuptial Catholic mass in the church where Mairead had been christened, received First Holy Communion, and been confirmed. “Our two mums took part in the Offertory, which made the service extra special,” she says.
The flowers
“I carried a teardrop-shaped bouquet with red, Grand Prix roses and ivory orchids,” explains Mairead. “Our centrepieces were striking deep-red gerberas with bear grass in tall thin vases, finished with clear crystals and ivory ties.” Wendy’s Flowers of Rainford arranged the displays.
The reception
The real wedding couple celebrated in style in a beautifully dressed ivory and crimson marquee at the Thistle Hotel in St Helens.
The honeymoon
“We travelled to that magical, mystical place: Thailand,” says Mairead. “It was paradise on earth. The people we met were amazing; it truly was the trip of a lifetime.”
