Rachel & Peter...A Love Story 12 Years (and One Rogue Seagull) in the Making
Some love stories start with a grand gesture, others with a twist of fate. Rachel and Peter’s? It all began at a house party, where fate (and possibly a bit of alcohol) played matchmaker. Twelve years, countless memories, and one perfectly timed New Year’s Eve proposal later, they stood before family and friends in St Paul’s Chapel, ready to say, “I do.”
A Proposal with a Bang...
Peter, knowing that timing is everything, got down on one knee just as the fireworks lit up the sky on New Year’s Eve, four years to the day before their wedding. Talk about dramatic effect! While most people were making resolutions they’d forget by February, Rachel was saying yes to forever. And honestly, that’s a way better way to start a new year.
The Dress (and the Bridesmaid Saga)...
Rachel’s hunt for the dress took her to Perfect Day in Lurgan, accompanied by her two sisters. “It was a dream come true,” she said. “The most exciting part of planning my big day!” The bridesmaid dresses, on the other hand? Less dreamy, more decision-making nightmare. “It’s hard enough keeping one girl happy, never mind five!” she admitted. But, as with all things wedding-related, it all worked out in the end—after a few deep breaths and possibly a glass (or three) of wine.
The Wedding Day...
31st December 2024. A day filled with laughter, happy tears, and just a touch of chaos. “It was one of the best days of our lives,” they said, and honestly, I could see it written all over their faces. The love, the joy, the slight panic when they realised the rings were missing 😂
Oh yes, let’s talk about that.
There’s a version of this story where a fearless seagull swooped in, stole the wedding rings, and led a heroic chase across Ballymurphy. And then there’s the real version, where Peter simply put them in the wrong bag and forgot them on top of the fridge. “Easily done lol,” he admitted. Crisis averted, vows exchanged, and one very relieved groom lived to tell the tale.
The Photos & The Party...
The newlyweds were kind enough to say I was a “pillar of stability” on their big day, which is a fancy way of saying I kept them calm, cracked a few jokes, and made sure they didn’t look like deer caught in headlights in their photos.
Rachel loved the pictures at the chapel with their nearest and dearest—memories caught in the perfect moment. Peter, meanwhile, was all about the big bridal party shot. “The people who helped make our big day come together,” he said, proving that it really does take a village (or at least a well-coordinated group chat) to pull off a wedding.
Then came the reception at Beechlawn Hotel, where the first dance to Take My Hand by Picture This kicked off a night of celebrations. Love, laughter, and a few questionable dance moves were in full swing, proving that weddings are best enjoyed with a little bit of madness.
Advice from the Newlyweds...
Rachel and Peter’s words of wisdom? “Remain calm and don’t care about anyone else—it’s your big day. Things will all work out.” And if that’s not the perfect wedding mantra, I don’t know what is.
Happily Ever After...in Paris...
With the wedding rings (eventually) safely on their fingers, they jetted off to the city of love, Paris, to start their next chapter. If their wedding was anything to go by, it’ll be filled with laughter, adventure, and maybe just a little bit of mischief.
Rachel & Peter, it was an absolute pleasure capturing your day. Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and slightly fewer seagull-related incidents!
"Remain calm and don’t care about anyone else—it’s your big day. Things will all work out!"
- Rachel & Peter
