Tell us a little about how you met
Phil and I met when I was 17/18 on a night out for my older sister's birthday. We always moved in the same friend circles and Phil always caught my eye. I always liked him from the moment I met him. A cheeky, funny character who always made me laugh. I moved to England when I was 21 following finishing my Master's degree in Environmental Planning at Queens and coincidentally a year after I had moved, Phil finished his Master's degree in Software Development and moved across to England to be with me. The rest is a wonderful history of amazing memories!
Talk us through the proposal
It was my birthday and Phill did not tell me where we were going or what we were doing (very annoying for someone like me who is far too organised for her own good!). We arrived at Galgorm and I was uber excited (absolutely love the place!). He had everything planned to a T and I didnt even notice how quiet he was on the drive up, nor the fact he was checking if the ring was in his pocket every few minutes!
He had booked one of the Serenity Bathing Experiences, with prosecco and canapes; very romantic. It was snowing outside and all I remember was I really wanted to get in the hot tub, but Phil closed the doors of the hut, got down on one knee and we were both shaking and crying with excitement. The best day of my life.
Ceremony
The Phantom House caught my eye immediately when we were choosing a venue for the wedding - a beautiful setting and a bit different to the norm which we both liked.
Reception
We always wanted a smallish wedding of 80/90 guests including our nearest and dearest, so the Four Seasons Suite was perfect for us - more intimate and again a beautiful setting within the main hotel.
Why Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
We say it every time we go to Galgorm but the service you get when you arrive is second to none. The staff are so attentive to every detail and make you feel special the moment you arrive. Maurice the doorman in particular is always a delight every time we see him. We love a good chat and catch up with him every time we stay. You arrive in a world of calm when you visit Galgorm; a feeling which we do not experience anywhere else. Galgorm is our first choice every time.
What made you choose a Resort location
The reputation of Galgorm, it's setting, the variation in rooms for the weddings and as I said before, the people are absolutely wonderful.
Tell us the most memorable part of your day
Knowing that it was the first day of the rest of our lives together - and being able to celebrate with our nearest and dearest. Our friends and family made the day for us.
Advice for future couples
Don't stress on or before your wedding day - it all comes together in the end!
Galgorm Wedding Planner
The wonderful Laura Patterson, followed by the amazing Donna Cunningham - both so welcoming and friendly and nothing was too much for them. They both went above and beyond for us which we are very grateful for.
Wedding Stationery
Epiphany Designs NI - The lovely Marion was brilliant and helped us to custom make our invites, Order of Service and Place Cards to correlate with our theme.
Cake
Gemma's Cakes - We were still getting compliments on the cake four months after the wedding. The Red Velvet and Chocolate Guinness were both to die for!
Flowers
Orchid Studio, Portadown - the wonderful Neil! He has the ability to make your dream a reality. He understood 100% what I wanted and the look I was going for and he did not disappoint - our flowers were beautiful. Everything we wanted and more.
Entertainment
Starling Entertainments. Picture The Sound - wow, did they have the ability to get everyone on the dance floor!
Decor & Design
Phil left me to this (smart man!). I wanted a romantic and modern feel to the day, which through the use of red roses and candles was fairly easy to achieve. I tried to tie in the theme to my choice of wedding dress (Dando London) and those for the bridesmaid dresses which I think worked well. The design and layout of the Phantom House and Four Seasons Suite also made this very easy.
Photographer
The wonderful Jayne Harkness. What a lady! Easy going and such a delight to work with. She made everything so easy for us and made the day as laid back as possible.
Videographer
Airwolf Visual - Paul was very laid back and similar to Jayne, so easy going. He captured the happiness of our day so well. The images of the Resort he got with the drone are beautiful!
Favours
Puzzle pieces & Lindor chocolates
Theme
Modern Romatic
Wedding Dress & Accessories
London Dando 'Selene'
Pandora earrings and bracelet from my parents
Lindsey May wedding shoes
Hair
Chocolate Blonde, Markethill - Suzanne and Beth are a dream to work with. Again, I told them my look and they created hairstyles to match. Couldn't have asked for more from them. The Dream Team.
Bridesmaid's Dresses
Off the shoulder red to tie in with my Dando, very elegant and I must say, the girls looked fab!
Groomswear
Red Groomswear, Belfast
Makeup
Catherine Fleming Makeup - Catherine is so bubbly and hilarious. At the beginning before my trial I was so unsure about the red lip, but she helped me rock it. The products she used were fantastic - make up did not move all day. Absolute perfection.
Nails
Avenue One, Gilford. Joanne is a master of all things nail relalted. Simple French for me and nude for the girls.
Our range of rooms provide the finest contemporary accommodation with all the finer details to ensure a good nights rest.
Experience unique & inspiring stays with a collection of luxurious Cottage Suites, Log Cabins and private Residences. Choose from Shepherd’s Huts & Forest Dens offering beautiful boltholes to get away from it all.
