Manor House Hotel - Shirley & Aaron

Love, Laughter, and a Proposal in the Sand: Shirley & Aaron’s Manor House Wedding

When Shirley and Aaron swiped right on Tinder back in September 2022, neither could have imagined that their first date would be the beginning of forever. Two years and seven months later, on 3rd May 2025, they tied the knot at Lower Clonaneese Presbyterian Church, followed by a stunning reception at The Manor House.
A Love Story Written in the Sand
Shirley, a customer service representative from Cabragh, and Aaron, a gardener from Omagh, went on their first date on 24th September 2022. “From that day, we have been inseparable,” Shirley recalls with a smile.
Fast forward to 3rd December 2023—Shirley’s birthday. Aaron took her for a drive to Muckross near Kesh, one of the very first places they visited together. As they walked down by the water, Shirley discovered something magical: Aaron had written “will you marry me” in the sand. He got down on one knee, ring in hand, and asked the question that would change their lives forever.
“Obviously I said yes,” Shirley laughs. The moment became even more special when Aaron revealed he’d asked her father for her hand in marriage five weeks earlier—a secret her dad had kept perfectly.

Finding ‘The One’ at White House Bridal
Shirley’s dress journey began with a stroke of luck. After attending a wedding fair at The Manor House in Enniskillen, she won a £200 voucher for White House Bridal in Fivemiletown—a shop she hadn’t even heard of before.
On 2nd March 2024, after visiting two other bridal boutiques, Shirley booked an appointment at White House Bridal. “I fell in love with a dress that day and said ‘Yes To The Dress,'” she remembers. “Amanda really made me feel at ease. I was a complete open book when it came to dresses, so she tried all different styles on me. I would definitely recommend White House Bridal to other brides.”
A Day of Pure Joy
The wedding day itself was nothing short of perfect. “The day went absolutely amazingly. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I just wish I could do it all again,” Shirley says.
The couple loved every moment of their photo session, especially the shots taken down by the water at The Manor House. “We enjoyed it all, especially the craic between Ciaran and Bob our videographer,” Shirley recalls. “From the get-go when you arrived at the house, the craic was good. You definitely made me feel at ease, and we hardly knew you were there!”
For two people who admittedly don’t love getting their photo taken, Shirley and Aaron were thrilled with the results. “I have way too many favourites to be honest. All the photos were beautiful.”

Memorable Moments
The day was filled with laughter and love, including a few unforgettable moments:
  • Their page boy falling asleep during the ceremony (caught perfectly on camera!)
  • The best man pretending not to have the rings when the minister asked for them
  • Their first dance to Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me”

Words of Wisdom
When asked what advice they’d give to other couples planning their wedding, Shirley’s response is heartfelt and practical:
“I would say not to stress too much. Take everything in your stride. There will be little hiccups on the day, but honestly none of them will mean a thing as the most important thing is that you’re getting married and starting the rest of your life with the one you love.”
The couple’s approach to planning reflected this philosophy. “We both had a lot of input in everything we planned, and it was good to have each other to make the decisions,” Shirley explains. “The best part was the excitement of it all—visiting different venues and booking the different vendors that were potentially going to make our day perfect.”

Happily Ever After
After their perfect day, Shirley and Aaron jetted off to Puerto Del Carmen in Lanzarote for their honeymoon, ready to begin the next chapter of their love story.
From a Tinder match to a proposal written in sand, from saying “yes to the dress” to saying “I do,” Shirley and Aaron’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of a love that was meant to be. Their day at The Manor House was filled with natural joy, genuine emotion, and all the heartfelt moments that make a wedding truly unforgettable.

Congratulations to Shirley and Aaron! Thank you for letting us be part of your incredible day.


Blonde haired mum holding newborn baby in black and white image by Ciaran O'Neill

She Is Our Whole World — Let’s Capture That

Mother’s Day is just around the corner… and if there’s one thing I’ve learned through the lens, it’s this:

Mums are almost always behind the camera.

They’re the ones wiping faces, fixing collars, tying bows, and coaxing out giggles. They’re the memory-makers. The glue. The comfort. The constant.

Blonde haired mum holding newborn baby in black and white image by Ciaran O'Neill

This Mother’s Day, let’s change that.

A Mother’s Day photoshoot isn’t about perfect outfits or perfectly behaved children. It’s about tiny hands wrapped around Mum’s neck. It’s about the way your little one looks at you like you are their whole world. It’s about laughter, cuddles, Eskimo kisses and that quiet, beautiful connection that exists in the in-between moments.

Years from now, these photographs won’t just be pictures.

They’ll be proof.

Proof of how small they once were.
Proof of how fiercely you were loved.

Older couple embracing in studio by Ciaran O'Neill

Time moves quickly. Children grow. Life changes.

But photographs let us hold on.

If you’re thinking about booking a Mother’s Day session, this is your gentle reminder: don’t wait for the “right time.” The right time is now.

Let’s create something your children will treasure forever — and something you’ll be so grateful to have one day.

Because mums deserve to be remembered too. 💛

Black and white image of young expectant mum to be by Ciaran O'neill

Mother’s Day Photo Session only £49 including two 7×5 prints.

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Baby in a crate in front of teddy bear background by Ciaran O'Neill

Valentine Children's Photoshoot

Baby with teddies in front of teddy bear background by Ciaran O'Neill

Giggles, Grins and Valentine's Magic

Our Valentine’s children’s photoshoots are a bit like chocolate hearts… once they’re gone, they’re gone!  Available on very limited dates, with plenty of smiles, laughter and gorgeous keepsake images guaranteed.

Available only on 12th, 13th & 14th February 2026, our beautiful Valentines Children’s Photoshoots will take around 30 mins, you’ll get two 7×5 prints or 2 digital images and only cost £49. Book HERE with only a £25 deposit.


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Rose Cottage Studio
84 Cottage Road, Lurgan, BT67 9LP
Tel: +447733305089

E: info@ciaranoneill.photography