Real Weddings: Esther Jean and Thomas’s dreamy Donegal wedding

THE COUPLE
Esther Jean, lifeguard trainer, swim tutor and horse riding instructor, and Thomas, carpenter. 

THEY LIVE
in Donegal.

THE VENUE
Ballyliffen Lodge Hotel & Spa, Donegal.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Lauren Carroll Photos.

THEY MET
At Creevy Carrigart at Thomas’s home place. I had nearly met Thomas’s whole family before I met him! I was working as a self-employed swim teacher at his brother’s swimming pool for several years, and Thomas was always working abroad in construction. It wasn’t until 2020, during lockdown, that I finally met the fantastically handsome man I now call my husband. Shortly after our first encounter swimming down at the rock pools in front of Thomas’s family home below Muckish Mountain, we became friends. Unfortunately, two weeks later, I had a terrible accident when competing at a cross-country event and was nearly killed. I had a rotational fall where my horse slid into a jump and hit it, making us flip over the fence, which caused my horse to land on top of me.

He quickly got up and stayed by my side until help arrived. I had broken my pelvis in three places, broken two teeth, collapsed my left lung, damaged ribs and ruptured my spleen. I was rushed to hospital, and after an emergency splenectomy, I was put into a medically induced coma. A few days later, I woke up, but to a very different way of life. 

For almost a month, Thomas was on the phone with me nearly every day when I was in the hospital, and once I was well enough to return home, my parents and Thomas nursed me back to health. 

Even though I now live life differently, I made a miraculous recovery because of my parents, a few close friends and Thomas. 

THE PROPOSAL
Originally, Thomas had planned a road trip around three states in America with the ring in his pocket for most of the holiday. He was waiting for the perfect moment to propose but realised the perfect moment was when we arrived home to our two beautiful dogs. He proposed to me with them by his side. 

THE WEDDING ATTIRE
My wedding dress was Pronovias from McElhinneys Bridal, Ballybofey, Co Donegal. The groom’s suit was Marc Darcy from Tomorrows Menswear in Derry and the groomsmen’s suits were Arthur the same shop too. Then the bridesmaid dresses were from Ever Pretty. 

THE CEREMONY
Our ceremony was outside in the hotel’s stunning garden and the weather was gorgeous. Our celebrant Liz from Remarkable Moments did an amazing job and our ceremony singers Ruairí and Sarah sang our songs perfectly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. I didn’t think I’d be as nervous as I’ve done a good bit of acting in theatre and film, but once I saw Thomas at the top of the aisle my nerves started to melt away.  

THE RECEPTION
We celebrated in style in the hotel and the dinner was delicious.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
We had some comedy with Alex the Great Hypnotist and we danced the night away with The Untouchables six-piece band.

THE DECOR
Our truly stunning decor was the handiwork of Inish Style and Bow. 

THEIR TOP TIPS
Try not to take on board too many people’s opinions. It is your day and your celebration – it’s all about you and your partner, not anyone else. You don’t need to spend a fortune on decor when you choose a venue that has it all; also, a lot of people don’t notice all the wee fancy bits. 

Save money by doing DIY projects. We made our own photo booth, crisp wall and sweet cart. Make sure you have a good band and good food; everyone loved ours and still, they talk about how good both were. 

Finally, make sure the venue can cater for all dietary requirements and allergies.