Our Wedding Story: Birthday proposal after blessing of father

Maeve, a solicitor from Fahan, in Co Donegal who works with the NHS in the United Kingdom, met Frank, a Norfolk-born specialist in architectural salvage, on a night out in Norwich in 2007.

He proposed on Maeve’s birthday after obtaining the blessing of her father Pat the day before.

On August 29th, 2015, Maeve and Frank were married by family friend Fr Neal Carlin in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Fahan.

The bride was walked up the aisle by her nephew Jordan as her father was recovering from surgery.

Maeve’s dress was from Blush in Belfast and the bridesmaids – sisters Susan, Paula, Fiona and cousin Kate Bouchier-Hayes – found theirs in French Connection. Frank’s brother Pete was best man and his brother Tom was the groomsman.

Flowers were collected from neighbours' gardens and arranged by Maureen Dunleavy.

To make table names, Patricia Hitchcock inscribed slate with local sayings. The top table at the reception in Fort Dunree, on the Inishowen Peninsula, was called: "I'll marry you the right road".

Maeve’s uncle Martin’s catering company provided the meal and each bridesmaid baked a layer of the wedding cake. Mother of the bride Kate made a speech, followed by one from the newlyweds.

The next day, the Heaney family hosted a gathering for about 80 guests at their home. Maeve and Frank live in Norwich and they honeymooned in Las Vegas.

Photographs: Declan Doherty