It was a setting fit for any front cover of Hello magazine.
Well-known Donegal businessman Ian Harkin last week married his stunning bride Sofia Torres Merchan in tropical Cancun, on the shores of Mexico.
Surrounded not only by the most spectacular scenery but also by close family and friends including adorable son Henri, it was an occasion quite simply of fairytale proportions.
Having met in Dublin, the couple decided to have their dream wedding in Mexico to accommodate both families as Sofia comes from Columbia.
Many made huge efforts to share the stunning couple’s happy day including Ian’s parents Alec and Mary from Ballybofey and Sofia’s mum Deborah who came from Columbia.
Others made journeys from as far away as Australia, Canada and Scotland to be there.
But there was no question that the air miles, airport transfers (and some lost luggage!) was worth it.
Set in the Convention Centre of the Iberostar Hotel, the attention to detail was second to none.
Ian’s best man, his brother Bobby, recalled how the MD of Arklu (makers of Lottie Dolls), always managed to get out of his chores at home.
And he suggested that he had become the luckiest man about when stunning Sofia agreed to marry him – and there wasn’t one who disagreed.
Sofia almost spoke eloquently and thanked her family including her sister Shirley who helped organise the occasion.
And she spoke of the love she has for her new husband.
After that, the only thing left to do was to honour the occasion by partying into the small hours as both sets fo families and friends got to know eachother even more.
Some, including the bride and groom, even made it to the local beach to watch the sunrise the following morning.
A stunning end to a new beginning for this beautiful young family.
