It Was Supposed To Be The Happiest Day Of My Life

Marcia Holmes wedding celebration marked the moment her entire world was destroyed.

- Kara O'neill & Nicola Small

Anyone looking at these photos can see how full of happiness they are. In each of them my smile – and the smiles of my family – couldn’t be wider. But while these pictures show what started as the most incredible day of my life, they are also a reminder of how that day quickly turned into the very worst.

After getting engaged to Nick in October 2015, from looking around venues to picking out my dress, my mum, Jean, then 58, had been there every step of the way. We’d spend at least an hour a day on the phone, finalising plans. Mum knew me better than anyone.

Growing up, Mum and Dad had always made sure that my brother and my sister and I knew the importance of family. As I got older, I realised that my mum and dad weren’t just parents – they were my friends, too. And when it came to my wedding day, Mum’s opinion meant more to me than anything. Finally, on 23 June 2017, the night before the wedding, we sat down for a meal together. I gave Mum a gift which included a card with pictures of the two of us, with a note telling her how much she meant to me. I wanted her to know how grateful I was for all her help and how important it was to me that she was such a big part of my special day.

When we woke the next morning, Mum was just as excited as I was. Clutching a glass of champagne each, the two of us spent the morning in a cottage near my Berkeley Castle wedding venue having our hair and make-up done. Even before she put on her dress, sitting in her silk dressing gown, Mum looked radiant.

Perfect moment