Couple tie the knot at Ballymena bikers' rally

LEATHERS, helmets and 500 bikers - isn't what you call a 'normal' wedding scene in Ballymena - or anywhere else for that matter. However, for one Ballymoney couple a bikers' rally in the City of the Seven Towers was their dream wedding day come true.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Aug 2010, 16:07 BST
Updated 23rd Aug 2010, 16:26 BST

And last Saturday bike fanatics Willie Laverty and Lucy Appleyard from Kirk Road officially tied the knot at the Coyotes RC 4th Laugh Out Loud Rally in Ballymena.

The happy couple, who have established their own Motorbike Club - the Aces & Eights MCC, met at the Coyotes RC first Laugh out Loud Rally back in August 2007.

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They announced their engagement the following year at the same event and confirmed their wedding day plans at last year’s rally.

Speaking to the Times Carol & Paul Coyote, rally founders said: "We have known Lucy and Willie for many years now and we were delighted when they got together at our First Rally in Limavady.

“Lucy and Will love the biking life, enjoy the company and camaraderie of their biker friends and are never happier than when parting at a rally.

“So when they decided to commit their lives to each other there was one place that would be special for them, the place where it all began, the Coyotes Rally.”

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The weekend celebrations began on Friday evening with a double ‘Hen & Stag Party’ held at Ballymena Rugby Club for the hundreds of visiting bikers and friends.

Then a few hours before the wedding Will and Lucy led a biker parade from their home town in Ballymoney to the Rally in Ballymena.

Over 500 bikers from throughout the province attended the ceremony, some having to stand outside the marquee where the packed service was being held.

Carol said: “It really was a true biker wedding.

“After the parade from Ballymoney to Ballymena, Lucy got off her bike and changed into her wedding ‘dress’. One of our biker friends Padre aka Trevor Kane is a minister and he carried out the ceremony in a small marquee at the Rally.

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“The whole day was fantastic. Biker friends from miles all came along to share their special day and the company of good friends and fellow bikers really ensured that it was a wedding that will never be forgotten.

“They are the most beautiful couple that we have ever known and we wish them many years of love and happiness. To speak on behalf of all fellow bikers from all clubs, they wish Lucy and Willie the same best wishes,” she said.

Related topics:Ballymena