Ian & Ritchie were Married in Malta, on 2nd May 2016 organised by Maltese Wedding Planner Sarah Young
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I
an (25 from Letterkenny, Co.
no option for a same-sex union or marriage
wanted an intimate celebration with close
Donegal) and Richie (30 from
there at the time.”
family and friends. In total, 54 guests arrived
Portmarnock, Co. Dublin) have
for Malta for the big day, coming from Ireland,
been together for seven years.
Ian and Richie were introduced to Maltese
the UK, France, the USA and even Australia
They got engaged in Harvey’s Point
Wedding Planner, Sarah Young by Catherine
(Ian’s sister Rachel) and New Zealand (Ian’s
Hotel, Donegal on the 29th March 2014
Sherry, owner of Marry me in Lake Garda. Same
brother Kieran and his partner Gillian). “Many
– the same day same sex marriages were
Sex Unions were legalized in Malta in 2014. Ian
first performed in the UK. “I had planned
and Richie visited Malta in October 2015 and fell
a birthday weekend for Richie. I got the
in love with the island. “Malta was the perfect
shock of my life when he got down on one
choice for us! The sun, sea, English speakers
knee by Lough Eske in the pouring rain.”
and the euro currency were a big plus. We
Going to Malta allowed all our guests to bond over the course of 5-7 days
were impressed with the exceptional quality of
Sarah’s passion and love for her work really shines through in her personalised planning.
service from Sarah Young. She listened to what we wanted and delivered results far beyond our
of our friends couldn’t make it to Malta for a
expectations. Sarah’s passion and love for her
variety of reasons. We knew before we booked
work really shines through in her personalized
our venues that this was the reality of getting
planning. She only works with the best venues
married abroad.
and suppliers. We’d highly recommend Sarah
however, really enjoyed themselves. Going to
The idea of getting married in Ireland in the
to any couple – gay or straight. Hire her and
Malta allowed all our guests to bond over the
rain was really off-putting for Ian and Richie.
every detail will be taken care of.”
course of 5-7 days. Sarah and her team also
Those who did make it,
arranged a pre-wedding bar-be-que for us at a
They both wanted to have their special day somewhere sunny. “We began looking abroad,
Going abroad for their wedding was the best
lovely Villa in St. Julian’s – it was a great way
particularly at Italy, but unfortunately there was
decision Ian and Richie ever made. They
for everyone to meet before the wedding day.”
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Sarah showed Ian and Richie a selection of
- Ian) and DKNY (Navy blue - Richie). Both
Ryanair fly direct from Dublin to Malta in under
venue options when they first visited Malta.
wore John White finch tan shoes, matching tan
4 hours – another plus for Ian, Richie and
Ian loved a stunning Palazzo, while Richie’s
belts, DKNY petrol blue ties and white pocket
their guests. Their hotels were booked directly
favourite was a unique garden villa. “We felt
squares.
through Sarah Young who secured discounted rates. “We stayed in the St. George’s Bay in
both venues really showed off our different personalities. We decided to compromise and choose the two – Palazzo for the ceremony and The Garden Villa for the reception.”
They both wanted to have their special day somewhere sunny.
St. Julian’s - one of the main tourist areas of Malta. The island is located just below Italy in the Mediterranean. During our stay, we visited the capital city, Valletta and the ancient city of Mdina. They were stunning.”
Richie, a professional chef helped design the menu and three-tier cake fillings, all coordinated
An Irish photographer was picked from Sarah’s
by Sarah and the team at The Garden Villa. The
portfolio (originally from Lucan, Co. Dublin).
Ian and Richie spent their honeymoon in
couple chose a harpist for their ceremony at the
“He is based in Malta. He was very professional,
France cheering on the Boys in Green at Euro
Palazzo; a pianist at their dinner, followed by a
but friendly and easy going. He ensured we
2016. They plan to return to Malta for their first
DJ. Ian’s sister Laura and Richie’s brother Jorn
were completed relaxed and enjoyed the craic
wedding anniversary in May 2017.
were their witnesses on the day. The grooms’
with our guests. He captured the magic of the
www.weddingplannermalta.com
suits were from FCUK (Blue / white cotton shirt
day perfectly!”
148 I IWD Travel I Wedding Abroad