Ciaran O'Neill

Love will always find a way… though it doesn’t usually take 12 years!

We asked Siobhan and Kieran to share how they met and how their wedding plans and big day went.

How did you first meet and get together?:

They first met when they were teenagers, and Siobhan was dating Kieran’s friend at the time. With Kieran being from Offaly and Siobhan being from Armagh they didn’t have much contact throughout the following years. Kieran moved to New Zealand, and Siobhan went to on University and had her three boys, and twelve years later, they reconnected through Facebook, when Kieran spotted a picture of Siobhan at a hen party in Punchestown and decided to send her a message. The conversation sparked and Kieran found himself joining the hen on night two to meet up with her. Although it had been 12 years since they had last set eyes on each other, they say it was love at first sight. Kieran moved up North in the following few months to start a life with Siobhan and the boys, quickly becoming part of the chaos and welcomed in by Cian, Matthew and Daniel as their Stepdad.

Tell us about the proposal – where, when, how?:

A momentous decision for many couples is the one to get married. For Kieran and Siobhan, this came in December 2023, when he took her to the Belfast Christmas market, ring in his pocket and a plan in mind. Although it was Kieran’s worst nightmare to propose in public, it was a symbol of his love for Siobhan that he put himself out of his comfort zone. As the fake snow fell upon them, the photographer captured a step by step collage of the proposal. He dropped to one knee in the middle of the market and asked Siobhan to marry him. And of course, she said yes!

How long were you together before you got married?:

2 years

Where and how did you choose your dress?:

Perfect Day Lurgan

How did you find the experience?:

I walked into the bridal boutique clutching a coffee in one hand and a mix of nerves and excitement in the other. The racks were overflowing with lace, tulle, satin, and sparkle—it felt like stepping into a fairytale wardrobe. Part of me was convinced I’d try on a few and politely smile through them all. I didn’t expect to feel anything. The first few dresses were beautiful, but not mine. One had too much bling, another made me feel like I was drowning in fabric. And just as I was starting to wonder whether the “aha moment” was a myth, the assistant pulled a dress I never would’ve chosen for myself. The Disney collection – cinderellas dress! I stepped into it, the zip went up, and I turned to face the mirror. There it was. Not dramatic tears, no movie montage—just a quiet stillness and a look in my eyes that said, this is me. It fit like a memory you didn’t know you were waiting for. My best friend smiled and nodded slowly, and I just couldn’t stop smiling. I bought my dream dress that day.

What was the best part of planning your big day?:

The best part of planning our wedding wasn’t the flowers or the dress or even the venue—it was the way it brought Kieran and me closer than ever. Every decision, from the big ones like choosing the guest list to the smallest detail like tasting cakes, became a moment where we learned more about each other. We discovered how well we worked as a team—compromising, laughing, dreaming. There were late-night planning sessions that turned into deep conversations about our future, and unexpected challenges that reminded us we could face anything together. We found joy in shared to-do lists and felt butterflies all over again just picturing the moment we’d say “I do.” It wasn’t just about planning a day—it was about building something together. And in that process, our bond grew stronger, more grounded in love, laughter, and the kind of partnership that lasts far beyond the wedding day.

How did the day go?:

It’s hard to put into words just how perfect our wedding day was—it truly was the best day of my life. Everything came together more beautifully than I ever imagined, from the little details we’d carefully planned to the unexpected moments that made it feel so uniquely us. There was so much love in the air, from the look in Kieran’s eyes to the laughter that echoed through the room. The joy, the emotion, the overwhelming sense of gratitude—it was one of those rare days where time felt suspended and nothing else in the world mattered except that moment. I’ll carry that feeling with me forever.

Do you think we, as your photographers, helped you enjoy your day?:

Ciaran was nothing short of incredible—he didn’t just take photos, he brought my dream to life. I had a clear vision for a whimsical, heartfelt Winnie the Pooh theme, and he absolutely nailed it, right down to the tiniest honey-dipped detail. What made it even more special were the surprise shots he captured—moments I didn’t even realize were happening, woven seamlessly into the story of the day. It was like he stepped into my imagination and delivered magic through his lens. He understood the feel I wanted, and the result was pure enchantment.

What was the favourite photograph of your day?

We love the photos of us and the kids and the kids by themselves. Honestly they were all amazing.

Why did you book us as your photographers?:

I chose Ciaran O’Neill because his work didn’t just capture a moment—it held it still in time. His signature style, with its deep, moody tones and dramatic contrast, drew you in from the first photos I saw. There was something so captivating about how the background seemed to melt away into shadow, leaving only the couple—illuminated, radiant, and unmistakably in love. His photos weren’t just beautifully edited—they told a story. I loved how they made everything else feel quiet, as though the world paused and the couple were the only two in it. That kind of intimacy and cinematic elegance was exactly what I wanted for my wedding memories. It wasn’t about flashy poses or overdone backdrops; it was about emotion, and Ciaran had a gift for capturing that in a way no one else could.

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?:

1. Keep the “why” front and center. It’s easy to get swept up in linen colors, centerpiece drama, and guest list politics. But the day is really about the two of you—your love story, your commitment. If a decision doesn’t serve that, it’s okay to let it go.

2. Communication is everything. Sit down often. Check in with each other. Make sure it still feels like a shared dream and not a solo mission.

3. Budget with honesty and flexibility. Splurging on a few things that really matter to you (like an amazing photographer or for Kieran the wedding cake) can be worth it. But be clear on your limits, and don’t let pressure push you into debt or stress.

4. Let go of perfection. Something will go off-script. The flowers might not be the exact shade. People might not show up. But those hiccups become the stories you laugh about later.

5. Protect your peace. If someone’s making planning stressful, it’s okay to set boundaries. This is your season—you don’t owe anyone your energy at the cost of your joy.

6. Be present. Don’t let the day fly by in a blur. Take quiet moments together. Soak it in. You’re getting married—and that’s magic.