IN A dazzling display of matrimonial magnitude, one couple has tied the knot amidst an unprecedented bridal party of 95 bridesmaids, with a notable 14 hailing from Fermanagh.

The extraordinary event has captured widespread attention, turning heads and sparking conversations across the nation.

Highland Dance teacher Kathryn McGowan from Hillsborough and her husband Jack originally from Aberdeen in Scotland recently tied the knot with Kathryn’s 95 dancers as bridesmaids.

The 95 bridesmaids ranged in age from six to 40 years of age from all across the country and 14 of them were from Fermanagh.

Kathryn has been the dance tutor at Erne Highland Dancers in Enniskillen for almost 15 years and felt it was important to have them as part of her special day.

“So the idea came about when I was trying to select a more ‘normal’ number of bridesmaids and I just couldn’t. I have been teaching highland dancing for 15 years and have so many very important girls in my life. I just couldn’t possibly choose,” Kathryn told the ‘Herald.

“So after spending months and months thinking it over, I had a chat with Jack and floated the idea past him of having a lot. He whole heartedly agreed and so that’s how it came about. It was so special to have them all as part of our day. It wouldn’t have been the same without them.”

The dancers also surprised Kathryn on the day with a choreographed dance.

“It was just amazing and I was so proud of each and every one of them,” she said.

“To others it may seem completely mad to have 95 bridesmaids but to us and everyone that knows me and Jack, it was just totally normal.”

Erne Highland dancer Grace Sawyers didn’t let a broken arm stop her from taking part on the special day.

“It was such a special day being a bridesmaid for such a great dance teacher. I broke my arm but I was still able to wear my bridesmaid dress and join all the other dancers. Kathryn was a beautiful bride and we had the best day,” she said.

To dancer Carly Graham, Kathryn isn’t just a dance teacher.

“It was such an honour to be a bridesmaid for Kathryn and Jack. Kathryn’s like a big sister to me, so being part of her special day was emotional, joyful, and unforgettable.”

Sophie Acheson described being a bridesmaid for Kathryn as ‘being in a real-life fairytale‘”’ and said she ‘couldn’t stop smiling’.

“It was a fantastic day and it was an honour to be asked to be Kathryn’s bridesmaid. Wish we could do it all again,” added Evie Bowes.

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