Leslie Dowdall, the former lead singer with In Tua Nua, will tie the knot with her Spanish fiance, Enrique Alda, in Tarragona next week.

However, the couple kicked off their celebrations yesterday in Co Wicklow with an outdoor blessing attended by 70 family and friends.

The ceremony at the Shekina Sculpture Garden in Glenmalure was overseen by Fr Michael Rogers, who runs a retreat centre in Glendalough, and involved the couple lighting a fire.

Leslie's father, Liam, walked her into the garden while her mother, Joan, read a poem. Guests included composer Ronan Hardiman and his wife Helen, and former 2fm DJ Mike Moloney and his wife Caitriona Belton.

Mr Alda, who is a translator, met Leslie at an artists' retreat four-and-a-half years ago. They are both living in Glenmalure and hope to move to Zaragoza in Spain in a few years' time.

In Tua Nua released three albums, 'Vaudeville', 'The Long Acre' and 'When Night Came Down on Sunset'.

Editor: Congrats Leslie & we wish you both many years of happiness!

&nbs