Meet the Couple
When Stephen and Sarah first met…
Sarah and Stephen met at secondary school, however, back then, they were just friendly with one another. According to Stephen - Sarah fit easily in with the boys and he never really seen her as more than “one of the lads”. However, even back then Sarah had a ‘wee’ bit of a crush on Stephen as Sarah said “he was the shit”. Stephen being the ‘knight in shining armour’ was the only boy that would take Sarah’s bag out of the skip when it was thrown in.
Re-Connecting
Sarah and Stephen both re-united on a random night out at Cobbles in Newry several years later. Stephen, still even remembers what Sarah was wearing that night as he described it an “excedingly sparkly dress”, and he is very adamant that he made the first move for the kiss. Sarah’s memory from that time was persistent messages from Stephen, often asking her to come to parties.
Setting up the First Date
Unfortunetly, the couples first official date was postponed due to a nasty chest affection on Sarah’s behalf. At this stage, Stephen was panicking, as he believed he was getting led on due to the date not happening. In an attempt to win Sarah over, Stephen appeared at her house with a confectionary hamper at hand. This may seem like a sweet gesture, however, it was Stephen’s attempted at ensuring he wasn’t being played about. Stephen soon realised, when Sarah appeared at the door, that she wasn’t joking and she was in fact not well. Thankfully, the date was rescheduled and it is one of the reasons we are all sat celebrating with them today.
The Actual First Date
The ‘actual’ first date was pretty simple - they went to the cinema to see Jumanji. However, both Sarah and Stephen still debate to this day, whether that it was the first or second movie. After the movie, the happy couple took a romatic trip to… McDonalds. During this, Sarah got a phone call stating one of her friends was in A&E - Stephen showed his compassionate and caring side (for once), as he was genuinely concerned for Sarah and her friend. Stephen, however, was also concerned that Sarah was just looking for a way out of the date. Little did he know, this was not the case and Sarah actually invited him to come to the hospital with her. Stephen described this moment as “the weirdest first date ever” but little did he know that eating a McDonald’s surrounded by sick people would lead us to today.
The Moment
When asked, Stephen and Sarah describe ‘the moment’ very differently.
Stephen said he first knew, when he watched Sarah feeding a child in A&E (yes…it was the first date) or as Stephen so lovingly puts it “that’s when I fell for her, when I was sitting in A&E, with her friend on death’s bed, feeding some random little child McDonalds chips and that child went from falling asleep in her dad’s arms with sickness to bouncing around like a little happy child”.
This was different for Sarah, who took a little longer to cement her feelings. Sarah remembers an inimate moment between the two of them. They were sat in front of a fire, when Sarah looked at Stephen and automatically thought “this is my person, this is it now”. In that tiny moment, Sarah felt safe and comfortable and knew their futures had aligned together.
The Engagement
Look at that RING!!!
Sarah had no idea, on that day, that she was being proposed to. Stephen had maintained that he wouldn’t propse to Sarah, unless they were living together. Stephen had thoughfully planned a treasure hunt, and thought of every detail, minus Sarah getting an injury. Even when Sarah open the box, that clearly stated “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” - Sarah still didn’t believe it and thought it was a joke. That didn’t stop Sarah saying ‘YES’ and led us all, to joining them in celebration today.
Stephen outlined the enjoyment he had in planning the engagement, stating it was really fun and exciting. Being the chilled and laid-back man that Stephen is - he wasn’t stressed about it at all. However, there was a sense of relief when that moment came and Sarah said the very sought after ‘Yes’.
Favourite Memory So Far
When asked about their favourite memory - Sarah and Stephen’s answers differed…
Sarah stated her favourite memory so far was the engagement, highlighting the detail and thought Stephen put in to make that day special for her. This went as far as to ensuring Sarah’s Sister-in-Law, Melissa, was planned and prepped in sneakily taking Sarah to get her nails done - without raising any suspicion. It was a simple task (if you avoid asking Melissa) but this moment demonstrated the thought and consideration Stephen had in ensuring the day was perfect for her.
Stephen pinpointed his favourite memory so far as being when the two of them were staying at a treehouse. Stephen stated he threw a piece of ham at Sarah’s back and it landed perfectly. Although, Sarah did stand still for approximately 20 seconds after trying to comprend what just happened.
Two VERY different memories - but ultimately memories they enjoyed together and here’s to many more to come.
What they love most about each other
Sarah states that most of all - she loves Stephen’s thoughtfullness - which he shows in his gift giving - highlighting his hampers, which he tailors to each individual. Sarah explains that Stephen shows his ability to consider each person he is buying for and tailors a hamper to what he believes they would appreciate - showing his emotional side. Sarah also loves his artistic side - pinpointing Stephen’s ability to look at something and make it more magical. Sarah has always said she believes Stephen should have pursued a career in events management - which would allow him to show his creativenand thoughful side.
When asked, Stephen, kept it short and sweet (are we surprised?) and said “that shes exactly like me and the opposite of me”.
Two opposite people, who bring the best out of each other and for that reason are united on their wedding day.
Something that makes them laugh at each other
Stephen stated that the thing about Sarah that makes him laugh the most, is her infectious laugh. He said when Sarah gets into a fit of laughter, to the point she cannot breathe, as if she is almost suffocating, it makes him laugh 10 times harder. This automatically makes the situation worse, but they are constantly laughing together.
Sarah highlights ‘the look’ that Stephen does (if you know, you know) and no matter what the situation is, it constantly lifts her mood.
Married Life
Both Sarah and Stephen were aked what they are most looking forward to in married life - both their answers were very different but fitting for the people we now and love them as:
Sarah’s answered: “That I get to spend my life with him and we get to do our adventures together”.
Stephen’s answer (prepare youselves): “ to have a wee ring on my finger and tell all the girls I’m taken”.
