George and Debbie's elopement from Canada to Killarney is true love story, grab the tissues, you’ll love it

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A bit later today than usual, but definitely worth waiting for, today we are delighted to share a real gem of a wedding with you. It's one that will warm the heart and probably bring a few tears. George and Debbie's elopement from Canada to Killarney is love story for the ages and one that reminds us that life is short, so carpe diem and grab love when you find it! We're so grateful to Sona from Inspired By Love for sharing these images and to George and Debbie for sharing their story...

Their second love is exactly what you hope either of your parents might find if they ever lost their partner...

Irish Elopement of Debbie and George by Inspired by Love

George and Debbie met in 2004 when a mutual friend introduced them. Both of them had lost their spouses to cancer. George had been married for 43 years and Debbie for 27 before their spouses were taken from them. As Debbie said, On that day neither of us envisioned our marrying but we were connected as soulmates, but you never know when love will strike, and love struck for these two for a second time, something they treasure completely.

The path of any relationship doesn't always run smooth, but in the end true love wins out..."As the years passed, marriage was discussed and planned but never came to fruition. I'd envisioned our blended families from 2 continents gathering near our home and sharing our special day but to date, all have yet to be under one roof. Our children, now ranging from 31-49, were aware a wedding was on the horizon, but when asked, none shared a burning desire to attend a wedding so elopement seemed practical and so special. The planning and discussion were ours and shared with only a handful of trusted confidantes who were as excited as we were." The perfect opportunity to run away together presented itself last Summer when the two were invited to a cousin's wedding in Aberdeen, they decided to stop on the way and have a ceremony in Ireland. But how to organise it?

As for planning a destination elopement, Debbie and George knew they'd need a wedding planner. After a quick browse on the internet, they felt instantly pulled to Annie of Aislinn Events who was able to help quickly solve some of their logistical concerns: No witnesses? No problem. She and her husband, Peter, would be pleased to do the honours. A bouquet of wildflowers? Easily done. A great photographer, Inspired by Love was the perfect choice. Our internet search of Annie's shortlist showed Cahernane House Hotel would be perfect. So with Annie's help a wedding in the heart of Killarney was a go...

For their simple ceremony, Debbie and George chose meaningful passages that had bearing on their lives: a passage about the raising of children and letting them go, and they mentioned their late spouses, Iris and Larry, by name.

After the ceremony, the couple shared wedding cake with guests dining in the Cahernane House dining room at the time, prompting many congratulations!

Don't you love Debbie's style? She found her designer dress and shoes from a consignment store on Vancouver Island for a total price of 70 euros! It's just stunning on her - love the cheeky bit of leg there!

One of the few people George and Debbie had told about their elopement, George's cousin Roseanne, died unexpectedly before the wedding and Debbie wore her jewellery on the day. Roseanne had been especially thrilled that the pair had chosen Ireland, as she had lived in Ireland for 17 years, such a special memory of a special lady.

Debbie had quite a few favourite memories from the elopement trip. Apparently they had not a single drop of rain on their entire sixteen day visit! That must be a record for Kerry. But most importantly for Debbie, the abiding memory The light in George's eyes as we talked of OUR DAY is imprinted in my soul.

The couple took a carriage from the circuit court to Cahernane House, and even stopped by to say hello to Debbie's hairdresser on the way! Then the couple used the gorgeous plaid blanket for a few photos with Sona that eventually served as the couple's wedding announcement.

Debbie and George absolutely loved their elopement experience, but they warn elopement isn't for the faint of heart. They have a little advice for those considering for their own wedding. If you enjoy spending time alone as a couple whether it be travelling, enjoying meals, playing cards, discussing the news, watching a movie, sharing the highs and lows of real life including births and deaths and rarely seeking others' opinions, elopement is the way to go. This is YOUR day to be celebrated as you choose. You need no approval; simply each other's love and honesty about what is best for both of you. Part of our joy came from the fact that we kept this secret for 7 months. And talk about stress-free! George and I were so relaxed. On July 16, 2013 we did not have a care in the world.