Our Wedding Story: An outdoor spiritualist ceremony

Christina Shannon & Paul Ryan

Christina, a web-content manager, and technician Paul met 13 years ago and got engaged three years ago on Christina’s birthday in December. They had considered getting married, but only when Paul’s father continued to ask about a “day out” did they start organising.

The couple considered a destination wedding but, says Christina, “taking all things into consideration, it was more convenient for our guests to marry at home”.

Last summer, they married in an outdoor spiritualist ceremony – officiated by John Fitzgerald – at the Wineport Lodge on the shores of Lough Ree.

The Child of Prague was left out the night before and they were blessed with a rain-free day. To the couple’s delight, Christina’s two daughters joined them as bridesmaids, Jennifer from Melbourne and Christina from Toronto.

Paul’s brother, John, was the best man, and Christina’s sister, Ann, read a poem. Christina’s family included her brother Richard (who made a speech), and sisters Ann and Teresa. Paul’s father J was there along with his brother John and sister-in-law Siobhan.

Christina was sure she didn’t want a traditional wedding dress so, after some research, engaged the help of dressmaker Yvonne Harrington from Dalkey. The cake was made by Jane Noone and the flowers were supplied by Dooley’s florists in Athlone.

Photograph: Athlone City photography, athlonecityphotography.ie