I am from Belfast but went to Liverpool for University 10 years ago. After finishing my degree I moved to Manchester for work. Ben is from Salford near Manchester. We met in a bar in the city centre and got chatting, it turned out we were actually neighbours as our apartments were opposite each other. We saw quite a bit of each other after that and eventually Ben plucked up the courage to ask me on a date.
I had arranged a weekend away in Chester for Ben's birthday, however, Ben had changed my plans without me knowing so that he could propose. We arrived at the hotel to be told we had been given an upgrade, I was none the wiser. When we arrived in the room there were rose petals, swans made out of towels, truffles and my favourite Champagne. It was all very romantic but I just assumed the hotel had done it as a birthday treat for Ben. I then went to the bathroom and when I came back Ben was on one knee, asking me to marry him. It was a complete surprise. We then went to the restaurant I had organised for Ben's birthday which Ben had already informed of our engagement, they had the most beautiful flowers and champagne waiting on our arrival to a private table for dinner.
Phantom House
Four Seasons Suite
I really wanted to get married at home in Northern Ireland, Ben and I made a list of venues to visit when we came back for a weekend. The Galgorm was the first place we visited and we immediately canceled the rest of the appointments as it had everything we were looking for. We were able to have a religious service there in the resort without having to be married in a church and then travel to reception. We loved that it was all in the one place as we had a winter wedding and didn't want our guests to be cold and fed up. The atmosphere at the Galgorm is perfect for what we wanted.
As we had many family and friends coming from England for our wedding we wanted somewhere that had accommodation. Galgorm Resort & Spa have many types of accommodation to suit all. It also has plenty to entertain our guests before and after the wedding. Our guest particularly loved the spa and the Gin bar. The Galgorm has the full package.
I have so many memorable parts of our day, from our candle lit service in the Phantom house to bringing in the new year as Mr & Mrs Richardson, with all the people we love. One thing that really stands out to me is how Kevin, our master of ceremonies, could not do enough for us, he made me feel so special and nothing was too much trouble.
Don't let the planning get on top of you and cause stress, it's worth every minute of it. Trust the Galgorm know what they are doing.
Oliver Mort
The Paper Doll
Heavenly Cakes & Favours
Sharon Carroll (Harpist)
Nuff Inc (Caricatures)
The Collective Wedding Band
Highlight Events (Photobooth and chocolate fountain)
Emerald Fireworks
Highlight Events
Fairytales (curtains & drapes)
Adam Johnson (ARJ Photography)
Video Visual
We had handmade crackers from Paper Doll that doubled up as favours and place settings. We filled them with personalised love heart sweets, hats, a joke and a prize. They also had a tag on them that had our guest's name on, so they knew it was their seat.
Glitter and Sparkle
Mori Lee and Freya Rose London
Dessy-Alfred Sung
Groom Hire LTD
Dani Belle Wedding Hair
Carrie Marley Freelance Make Up Artist
Sarah at Elegance Salon
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.
