Wedding of the Week: Our wedding day was everything we wanted...and more

IT was everything we wanted and more… That’s how Sonia Carson and Paul Magnier, who live in Carrigaline, described their special day.

Sonia was born in Cork, but grew up in the UK, and returned to Ireland in 1997 — just before meeting her husband-to-be, in the Catwalk Bar in Cork, 22 years ago. Paul was born and reared in Mayfield.

The couple are both self-employed. Sonia is a Life and Business Coach and proprietor of Urban Hair Design in Carrigaline, whie Paul is a plastering contractor with Paul Magnier Plastering Ltd.

They got engaged 12 years ago after 10 years together, in the Brehon Hotel in Killarney. They were married in the Orangery in Maryborough House Hotel in a spiritual ceremony by Jean Noonan.

Sonia’s dress was bought in Diamond Bridal in Cork, she also wore Jimmy Choo shoes. Make-up was done by Renee, her daughter, who is based in the family salon Urban Hair Design, in Carrigaline. Hair was styled by Kristin in Urban Hair Design. Bridesmaids’ dresses were Debut from Debenhams. Paul’s suit (and the groomsmen’s) were from Morleys in Cork.

Joining them on the day were Paul’s four siblings, parents Noel and Jenny Magnier, Sonia’s mum Susan and stepfather Richie, her brother, uncles, aunts and friends.

Bridesmaids were Renee Magnier, the couple’s daughter, Sarah Gleeson, Jane Naughton, Sadbh Creed, Sally Norberg, Cliona O Hanlon. Groomsmen were the couple’s son Kyle Magnier, as well as Noel Magnier, Paul Carson, Paul Sexton and Tony Magnier.

The ceremony was very personal, with music by Deborah Murphy and a hand fastening, involving their children.

The evening continued in the Sherrard suite of Maryborough Hotel, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

The cake was by Trace of Cakes. Entertainers were magician Ger Kearney, the Singing Waiters and The Stars Band. First song was You Are The Reason by Leona Lewis.

The couple said: “Our day was so special, having our two children walk their mother down the aisle. It was a celebration of 22 years together, our story so far having met so young!

“We really felt the time was right for us in every way. We grew stronger over the years and have never been happier, being a mature bride and groom we knew exactly what we wanted for our special day and enjoyed every minute of it! It was everything we wanted and more!”

The photographer on the day was Ted Murphy, while Ian from Story Begins did the video.