A Co Down couple have shared a look into their beautiful wedding day in Florida.
Conagh MacNabb, 29, and 30-year-old Sean Cusack,, who are both from Downpatrick, had their big day on April 23, 2022 after two delays due to Covid.
In Be 's weekly feature Inside My Wedding, couples are delving into their special day to give bride and grooms-to-be some top tips.
Read more: Inside My Wedding: Belfast woman comes home from US to have her special day
The digital marketer and senior project manager met in 2011 and got engaged on a ski trip in February 2018.
Conagh has told us all about their special day in the US.
Tell us all about your wedding day!
Our original wedding date was set for the May 9, 2020, in Naples, Florida. Being one of the many couples that were affected by the pandemic and having an abroad wedding, we moved our date to April 10, 2021. Unfortunately the plan to marry in April 2021, had to be rescheduled to April 2022 due to a further lockdown and international travel being banned. Third time lucky we hoped!
Fortunately, on April 23, 2022, we tied the knot in sunny Naples, Florida - which was more than worth the wait. Our ceremony took place in St Peter the Apostle Church with the reception in Naples Lakes Country Club.
How did you begin planning your wedding?
With an abroad, pandemic wedding, 4,000+ miles away and a five hour time difference, we made the best decision in beginning the planning... with hiring our amazing wedding planner - Steph from STALI Events.
How did you decide on your venue?
We began by writing a short list of what our key likes/dislikes would be for a venue, which quickly cut our list from ten to a top three. We then arranged a visit and knew instantly that Naples Lakes Country Club was the perfect fit.
Tell us all about your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses and suits!
One of my favourite wedding planning memories will be looking for the dresses and suits, from saving every dress possible on Pinterest to all the appointments. However, after four failed wedding dress appointments I was starting to lose hope in finding the one. I then approached a very good friend and extremely talented fashion designer - RUEDI. From a very quick sketch on paper of the style he believed would suit me, I knew it was perfect in every possible way. We decided on a black tux for all the groomsmen, much to their delight at the thought of wearing a full black tux in 32 degree heat - no pain no gain as they say!
What was the best part in the build up to your day?
After such a long delay, many sleepless nights on whether it would definitely go ahead, the best part was when all our family and friends arrived in Naples for the wedding. We were so appreciative of all those that made the journey across and the effort to be with us.
What was the best moment of your day and your other favourite parts?
"Enjoy every second as it will fly by," was the one piece of advice given to us by everyone and we made sure to do exactly that - from the moment we woke to the last song of the night. We enjoyed every single moment.
What would you tell other bride and grooms to plan first & what are your top tips?
If you are having an abroad wedding, definitely get a wedding planner. They are a blessing and ours was our rock throughout - we couldn't have done it without her.
We would also stress the importance of booking your ceremony, reception, photographer/videographer and florist first.
What were the hardest parts to plan?
We would need a whole book on our difficulties and numerous obstacles - from a pandemic to airport chaos, broken bones, the list goes on and on. However, as these difficulties arise you realise most are completely out of your control and you learn to let go.
We were often told "you're both so calm and relaxed" with all the chaos happening around us and now looking back, I am glad we took that approach. Don't stress about things that you cannot control.
Did you have a theme?
We didn't have a set theme, every time someone asked I was unsure and Googled different wedding themes to understand what our style fitted. After the wedding, a guest commented that they loved the 'elegant and classy' theme - so let's go with that.
Don't feel like you need to fit into a certain style or be influenced by a set theme, it is your opportunity to uniquely style your day as you wish and I would recommend all those beginning to plan their day to do exactly that.
Would you do anything different or wish there was anything you didn't worry about?
Possibly not pick the hottest, busiest part of the day as a time to get wedding photos on the beach...
All joking aside, we wouldn't change anything. It all came together so perfectly on the day.
Read more: Belfast bride tells how she had her wedding for under £4,000
Read more: Inside My Wedding: NI couple's special day at La Mon Hotel and Country Club
Do you want to tell us all about your wedding day? Email be@belfastlive.co.uk to be featured!
