After getting civil partnered in 2008, Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick had a secret marriage today

Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick met this day 23 years ago, and to commemorate their anniversary the couple had a secret wedding.

“23 years ago today we met… 15 years later we had our civil ceremony… and because the Irish people said ‘YES’, we can say ‘I Do’. I couldn’t be prouder marrying this gorgeous man,” Alan said.

The only attendants at the ceremony today were Alan’s brother Kevin and Karl’s sister Ann, to bear witness to the marriage.

Although the couple were civil partners and friends and family attended that ceremony in 2008, the couple wanted to get married to celebrate their relationship.

“Everyone who meant anything to us attended our civil ceremony and we just wanted to do this for us,” Karl said.

“Keeping it secret was the hardest part… I’m so happy to marry the guy I love and respect so much… Now we can live happily ever after.”