This gorgeous couple's love story initially began when the 15 year old Shannen (pretending to be 16!) met nearly 18 year old Christopher. Shannen was friend's with Christopher's cousin & they had offered Shannen a 'spin-home'. Being a gentleman Christopher told Shannen to text him when she got to the door, which she immediately did 10 seconds later! They dated for a few months but as they were still quite young they parted ways. 'Fast forward 6 years later and we met again at our mutual friends 21st party, both single', Shannen tells us she said to her friend: 'I think I'd like to marry him someday' and the rest is history.
'While he is a romantic at heart, Christopher is not huge on PDA, but he got down on one knee in front of the Trevi Fountain on a city break in Rome, at 8am in the morning where the crowds wouldn't see!' (Good idea!!)
We asked Shannen to sum of the overall look and feel of the day: 'AMAZING, from start to finish we had the best day of our lives. It was a beautiful June day, there was a stunning summer heat, everyone was smiling and laughing, it couldn't have gone any better. From the grounds of the hotel, to the décor, entertainment, food & service, we would give it 10/10 and got the same feedback from our guests. Beautiful grounds were important to me as I hoped for a summer wedding with good weather, but also a beautiful hotel and indoor area as it is Ireland and you're not guaranteed anything. The food and service was also important for the both of us as we wanted our guests to also enjoy the day.'
We asked Shannen 'what made Fernhill 'the one' for them?' 'There are endless options for wedding ideas in Fernhill, from ceremony to drinks reception to the evening meal - you're not stuck for choice. While we've been to weddings before where the weather hasn't played ball, we found ourselves stuck in a reception of a hotel. With Fernhill the garden marquee is amazing, it's huge and has stunning floral décor and is situated on the beautiful grounds. I think you feel like you get two venues in one place. The golf buggy back up to the Bracken Ballroom for the evening meal & party, you get the best of everything! I also loved that Fernhill has a true Country House vibe, it's not a huge commercial style hotel where random guests can stay, everyone there is part of the wedding party and that is so lovely.'
When asked what advice Shannen & Christopher would share with any future couples planning their day in Fernhill: 'Enjoy it all, you're in safe hands with Ann the wedding co-ordinator, she's amazing at what she does, she helped us anytime we needed it, and the food & service is immaculate so there's no need to stress on any of those details. Do take time to go to the venue a few times and see everything so you know where you want your photos, entertainment etc as the opportunities are endless.'
Shannen & Christopher are heading off to Egypt to see the pyramids and then to Greece to relax on the beautiful Greek coastline beaches in September - definitely something to look forward to after all the excitement of their beautiful wedding.
We wish Shannen & Christopher every happiness in the world as they begin their married lives together.
Gorgeous awe-inspiring dress change for their first - dance & photographs by: Magda Lukas