Erin McGregor and Terry Kavanagh Share How They Planned an Inclusive Wedding to Honor Their Son with Autism (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: Terry Kavanagh and Erin McGregor with Harry.Photo:Story of Eve

Story of Eve

When Erin McGregor and Terry Kavanagh were planning their long-awaited dream wedding, their son Harry was at the heart of every detail.

Erin, 43 — who is the sister of Irish MMA fighterConor McGregor— and singer-songwriter Kavanagh, 47,tied the knoton Saturday, Aug. 17, at theCashel Palace Hotelin Tipperary, Ireland. From choosing their venue to arranging their ceremony, the couple made many thoughtful decisions with the needs and well-being of 8-year-old Harry, who has autism, in mind.

Wedding rehearsal.Story of Eve

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While they visited and viewed more than 20 different venues in Ireland, Italy and Portugal with their planner, Andrea Winckworth ofAndrea Winckworth Events, they eventually settled on the Cashel Palace Hotel. Ultimately, Erin says, they decided that “home is where the heart is” and that marrying locally in Ireland would be ideal for Harry.

“Everyone asks why we didn’t get married abroad, and the truth is wanting our son to be a part of our day was more important,” Erin tells PEOPLE.

“Our absolute must-have for the wedding was ensuring that Harry was as comfortable as possible and able to enjoy the wedding festivities,” she adds. “To achieve this, we put several measures in place to maximize his comfort and joy.”

Those measures included creating a special, sensory-friendly environment in his room at the venue, with help fromSENCO Sensory Solutions. “This gave him a place to retreat to whenever he needed a break, ensuring he could relax and recharge,” Erin explains.

The couple also held their wedding ceremony outside “to give Harry the freedom to roam as he pleased without feeling confined to an indoor space.” And knowing that Harry might not feel comfortable joining the other page boys and flower girls during the processional, Terry and Erin found a different, but equally special way to include their son in the experience.

From Left: Harry with Erin McGregor.Story of Eve

“The therapeutic effects of horse riding have a lasting impact, helping to calm his nervous system and bring him joy,” Erin says.

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Along with Harry, the newlyweds also share 24-year-old Taylor, Erin’s daughter from a previous relationship. To honor both children, the wedding ceremony featured a poignant moment when Terry and Erin combined pink- and blue-colored sand from the site of their first date, Sandymount Beach in Ireland.

“This symbolized the unity of our family as one,” Erin notes.

The couple also performed a traditional hand-fasting ceremony, using a multicolored ribbon in a nod to the colors of autism. “During this moment, we recited words that expressed our commitment to each other,” the bride recalls.

Erin McGregor, Terry Kavanagh and kids Harry and Taylor at the couple’s wedding rehearsal.Story of Eve

For Erin and Terry — who first met in Las Vegas while Erin was in town for one of her brother Conor’s fights — finally saying “I do” to each other meant “completing our family, the final link in our unbreakable chain.”

“It’s the realization of a lifelong dream, where the thoughts of being a husband and wife fill us with pride and gratitude,” Erin adds. “This to us represents the ultimate commitment, a promise to love and support each other through every moment life brings our way and combining our beautiful family, who make us proud every day, into one solid unit.”

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source: people.com