Strangers join trip to Northern Ireland after wedding cancelled
A group of 11 women travelled to the region to celebrate a planned elopement that was called off due to a medical emergency.
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A group of 11 women, most of whom had never met before, spent a week in Northern Ireland to celebrate a planned elopement that was cancelled following a medical emergency experienced by Bridget Devaney's fiancé. The trip, which took place in early 2026, transformed a personal disappointment into an experience of companionship and adventure.
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Ms Devaney, who is based between the US and Killarney in the Republic of Ireland, had her elopement plans disrupted. After receiving an email from her photographer, Rob Dight of Epic Love Photography, she decided to organise a trip for women to celebrate the occasion that never happened. She posted an invitation on social media, which led to hundreds of inquiries. Ms Devaney then organised the trip, selecting 11 women from the US, Canada, and Wales.
Janae Pettit, a design consultant from Utah, joined the trip as a birthday present to herself. She told BBC News NI that she was approaching her 40th birthday and seeking an experience outside of her usual routine. Shana Johnson, from Minnesota, also joined, seeing it as an opportunity to travel while many of her friends were focused on family life.
A Week of Exploration and Connection
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During their week in Northern Ireland, the group explored various locations, including the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and Londonderry. Although some participants had communicated online, meeting in person initially brought some nervousness, which quickly dissipated as the group bonded. Ms Devaney described the experience as a chance to 'reframe' memories associated with places she had planned to visit with her fiancé.
Mr Dight, the photographer, offered Ms Devaney a two-year extension on a photoshoot deposit originally paid for 2024 after learning of the fiancé's medical emergency. He described the photoshoot for the 'non-wedding' as a 'jaw-on-the-floor scenario' and found it remarkable that the women, who had met only three days prior, displayed such a deep sense of connection. He stated that he did 'what I could on my end to encourage it, to let them have that time to shine and to celebrate being with each other'.
The group also participated in a wellness session focused on new beginnings, which Ms Devaney found particularly meaningful. Reflecting on the experience, she told BBC News NI that the trip reinforced her belief that 'there is community if you want to find it', even if it requires vulnerability and putting oneself out there.
Weeks after returning home, the women continue to communicate, with plans for future trips already being discussed.
Questions this report answers
+Why did Bridget Devaney organise a trip to Northern Ireland?
Bridget Devaney organised a week-long trip to Northern Ireland for 11 women after her own planned elopement was cancelled due to a medical emergency experienced by her fiancé. The trip was intended to celebrate the occasion that never happened.
+Who travelled on the trip to Northern Ireland?
The trip included Bridget Devaney and 10 other women, most of whom were strangers to her and each other before the journey. The group comprised individuals from the US, Canada, and Wales.
+What did the group do in Northern Ireland?
During their week in Northern Ireland, the group visited notable locations such as the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and Londonderry. They also participated in a photoshoot and a wellness session focused on new beginnings.
+What was the photographer's involvement?
Photographer Rob Dight, founder of Epic Love Photography, extended a photoshoot booking for Bridget Devaney by two years to accommodate the new group trip. He was impressed by the strong connection that formed between the women.
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