AFTER months of planning and preparation, my only sister said 'I do' last weekend.
The day we had all been waiting for had finally arrived and what a perfect day it was.
In a beautiful, heart-warming occasion, Olga married the love of her life, Thomas.
The idylic setting of Ballymagarvey Village in Co Meath saw them exchange wedding vows and become husband and wife amongst the warmth of all their family and friends.
On a bright, spring day (with the rain staying off at all the right times), we enjoyed an occasion that was full of quirkiness and originality with the happy couple's attention to detail shining through.
The day began with the calm before the storm - the hair and make-up sessions, accompanied of course by a few glasses of bubbles - before a limo ride to the private country estate of Ballymagarvey, which is located close to Slane and the stunningly beautiful Boyne Valley.
It is a wonderfully romantic location, set in private surroundings, with the entire venue reserved for the bridal couple and their family and friends.
Donning our gorgeous dresses, myself and the two other bridesmaids Jessica and Fiona helped my sister into her beautiful, immaculately-made tea-length wedding dress, holding back the tears as she instantly looked radiant.
Shortly after 3pm, we dodged the rain and my father walked Olga down the aisle to her smiling groom.
With my proud parents looking on, the wedding ceremony was the pinnacle of the entire day's celebration.
The reason why everyone had gathered together, the service featured beautiful music and saw the happy couple exchange their vows, officially becoming man and wife after five years together.
With afternoon tea served in the 18th century manor house, the guests were then able to nosey around the wonderful venue as the bridal party posed for photographs.
An amazing reception was then held in the luxurious banqueting hall, which was adorned by pretty flowers, candelabras and little special touches from the bride and groom.
Every single speech was fun and heartfelt, with the groom paying tribute to his wonderful wife and my nine-year-old son Jake bringing tears to many eyes (including my own) as he stood in front of 150 people and raised a toast to his Auntie Olga and new Uncle Thomas.
With a surprise appearance from a singing chef and waitress, it was clear that the guests knew how to party. In this fantastic atmosphere, we danced into the wee small hours with wonderful music by The Nooks.
The entire day saw something very special created - brilliantly capturing the romance, glamour and excitement that Olga and Thomas had wanted.
While the stress that comes along with wedding planning was inevitable, from start to finish the day was filled with so much fun and love, with all the guests quite literally having the time of their lives.
Everything looked so gorgeous - an exquisite bride, handsome groom, pretty flowers and an amazing venue all combining to make a beautiful wedding.
Such a gorgeous, happy, lovely couple with their families and brilliant friends all gathered together to celebrate their love, it was wonderful to see the whole day was everything they had wanted and more.
Olga and Thomas are two very special people and my parents, myself and my family could not have been prouder.
They are obviously in love and we have taken Thomas to the heart of our family.
Everyone always wants to remember their wedding as the best day ever and I have no doubt that this happy couple will.
It was an occasion that not only they had dreamed about, but one I have also dreamed about - the moment when my younger sister would find true love and happiness.
