Derry couple have a ‘dream wedding day’

Cat O’Callaghan-Ryan and her husband Stevie Ryan had been due to get married in Las Vegas last month.

However, the global Covid-19 pandemic threw their plans into chaos and they thought they would be unable to get married this year at all.

Following the easing of restrictions and permission for the church to hold ceremonies such as weddings and christenings, the couple planned their big day in less than a week.

They got married in Holy Family Church in Ballymagroarty on Saturday in the presence of their children, family and closest friends, and celebrated with a reception in their garden.

“I had picked up my dress in March before everywhere shut down,” Cat explained. “We were supposed to be getting married in Las Vegas with just a few close friends present. When we couldn’t do that we started making some plans to get married at home, but it was only on the Monday that we got confirmation from the priest that it could actually go ahead that Saturday.”

Cat said it was an incredibly busy week getting a marquee and food arranged, and making all the other final preparations.

“Thankfully everything fell into place and it was such a beautiful day. We really enjoyed having the people closest to us there and it went without a hitch.

“Even though we didn’t get the day we had originally wanted, it was lovely having everyone there.”

Cat, who is originally from Cork, said it was also nice to have some members of her family there and for her dad to walk her down the aisle.

The couple have five children between them, aged between eight and 14-years-old and they were able to play a part in the day.

“It was a really special day for them. They were so emotional to have our family blended together properly, even though we have always felt like that anyway.”

In total around 50 people attended the wedding, with friends providing music for the reception in the couple’s back garden.

The couple are going to Liverpool for a short break following their wedding.

“Stevie is a massive Liverpool fan, so he’s really looking forward to it. We might go to Las Vegas for our one year anniversary, but we are in no rush to travel too far away.”