Our Wedding Journey...

Newry newlyweds have long been wonderful supporters of Ciaran O’Neill photography. Niamh Burns, a nurse and Anthony McFarland, a council worker, joined the long list of happy clients from the city.
The Cathedral provided a dramatic backdrop to the proceedings – with Corick House delivering the sweeping landscapes and cultured gardens. The weather being fantastic didn’t half help either – although it probably didn’t compare to their honeymoon – which was spent in sunny Florida! We caught up with them after to hear the craic about their amazing wedding day…

How did you first meet and get together?

We met through friends back in 2005. Our first date was to squires in Newry which was all the go back then.

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

We got engaged on Christmas day in 2017. Poor Anthony had broke his leg previous to this so how couldn’t get down on his knee. He swiftly asked me to marry him before I set of to work at 2pm, clearly didn’t think the proposal through as I had to wait to the end of my shift to celebrate.
Bride getting make-up touched up

"I tried a few dresses on but when I put my dress on my mum and aunty cried. That's how I knew it was the one!"

— Niamh

The Wedding Planning...

Where and how did you choose your dress?

I choose my dress in reflections Bridal Boutique in Lisburn. I took my mum with my along with my aunt as it was during covid lockdown I wasn’t able to take my bridesmaids.
I tried a few dresses on but when I put my dress on my mum and aunty cried. That’s how I knew it was the one!
Bride enters room for parents to see her for the first time in the wedding dress
Emotions run high as bridal party see the bride for the first time in the dress

How did you find the experience?

Being a covid bride I found it very stressful as we had to postpone our date from 2021 until 2022. At the time it was hard as you plan so much your big day, it was devastating when we decided to put it of. However when our big day arrived it was brilliant not to have any covid restrictions and we were able to have all our family and friends celebrate the day with us.

Bride looks at herself in the mirror
The bridal party pose for a photo at the doorstep of Newry Cathedral

What was the best part of planning your big day?

Seeing all our plans come together a few weeks before the wedding and the excitement starting to kick in.

And the most stressful part?

The most stressful thing for us besides the postponement was the table plan

Bride & her father pose for a photo in the car before the ceremony

"It was so exciting seeing all our plans come together a few weeks before the wedding!"

— Niamh & Anthony

The Wedding Day...

Anthony gets emotional as his boys reach the top of the aisle
Anthony gets emotional as his boys reach the top of the aisle
The bride and her father walk up the aisle
The Cathedral always provides a stunning backdrop

How did the day go?

The day was what we dreamt of and more. The weather was beautiful, sun was shining and we danced until early morning. All our family and friends were there to celebrate with us.

Why did you book us as your photographers?

I had heard soo many good reports about Ciaran O’Neill Photography I just couldn’t look any where else. The albums we were showed at our consultation were just stunning I knew ours would be the same:-)

Were there any particular photos you loved (or hated!) getting taken?

In general I hate getting photos taken but Simon made us so at ease and was so natural with taking photos. I love all my photos. I have a few favourite ones such as the cathedral aisle with me on my own. The photo of my 2 boys in Corick House garden, a few of me and Anthony in the Garden and the family photos.
The McParland family outside the church after the wedding service

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

Yes, absolutely. We had Simon as our photographer. He was just brilliant. We had the best of laughs with him from start to finish. He was even prepared for bridal hiccups especially by bringing extra hair clips!

Were there any near disasters/funny incidents?

Yes – there was a mini disaster! Went to dress the page boys and one of their suits was at home in the grooms suit bag. The trousers were away to get altered and we forgot to lift them. Thanks to Michelle, my hairdresser, she went home to get them and met us at the Chapel where the wedding nanny dressed him just before we walked down the aisle 🤣

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

Take your time, look around at different vendors and organise everything that you want even if its out of your budget. You only get one wedding day, go all out!!

The groomsmen enjoy a laugh in the gardens of Slieve Russell Hotel

"The day was what we dreamt of and more!"

- Niamh & Anthony