Seok & Nigel's Wedding

Seok & Nigels Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort Wedding

The Couple

Tell us a little about how you met

Nigel and I met on a blind date, way back in the year 2000 when he returned from living/working in Helsinki. After this we realised that we had a lot in common but due to work commitments in the banking industry, Nigel left London for the Far East and Japan. We stayed in touch over the years, with me visiting him in Tokyo and of course Northern Ireland where his parents and sisters live. Once Nigel moved back to London, we started dating again and he soon moved in with me in the leafy suburbs of Surrey

Talk us through the proposal

We loved to travel and Nigel suggested that we visit his brother Lyle in Brazil during one of my school holidays, as I am a teacher. Nigel's mother also had not been to Sao Paulo so we were absolutely delighted that she could travel with us, which made the trip even more special. Whilst there, Nigel took me on an excursion to the Iguassu Falls and secretly arranged a romantic dinner at the Belmond Hotel in a private room decorated with candles and the hallway strewn with rose petals. He proposed with a gorgeous 'place holder' ring, as he planned for us to go ring shopping when we returned to London.

The Setting

Ceremony

Phantom House

Reception

Renaissance Suite

Why Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort

There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to get married in Northern Ireland and especially at Galgorm. The location is idyllic for special events come rain or shine; we had these both on our wedding day in the middle of summer but every aspect of the wedding is in one place so it didn't matter at all. After meeting with Rose McMillan, I felt completely confident and excited about planning our wedding with her. Her experience and enthusiasm was extraordinary and this continued throughout the planning process.

What made you choose a Resort location

My family, who all enjoy going to spa hotels, I knew would love what Galgorm has to offer and they would be able to make a mini-break of the weekend around the wedding. Also, some of our friends travelling from around the globe would be well looked after and for many, it would be their first trip to Northern Ireland. And not forgetting to mention the amazing food, drink and afternoon teas we've experienced there over the years! Lastly, Castle Kitchen + Bar hosted our rehearsal dinner at the last minute, as we had planned to have a barbecue on site until I checked the weather forecast. Luckily I was able to get this organised for about 30 guests with the help of Declan and his team.

Tell us the most memorable part of your day

This had to be when I stepped into the Phantom House which was already semi-dressed during our ceremony rehearsal. The ambience of the room, the sound of the river flowing by and the expressions on my family's faces made me feel quite emotional. On the day, it was my 'First Look' experience coming down the stairwell to see Nigel at the doorway and the beautiful flowers on the bannisters set up by Gerard's Flowers. In fact, it was just seeing everything come together from the morning to the evening run so smoothly with the help of Louise, and the discretion of our photographer to capture all the memorable parts of the day which made a big impression.

Advice for future couples

Whether planning from abroad or locally, Galgorm has the professionalism that will allow you to create your dream wedding for you and your guests. The ease of regular emails with Rose and the suppliers helped with getting the agenda ready to about 4 weeks before the day. Do place your trust in the people that have experience in all matters wedding related and that will reduce any anxieties you might be feeling in the run-up. Of course there will be some 'What If?' questions in your mind and that's normal. For us, the First Look idea and getting some family photos taken before the ceremony worked really well. It meant that we could have more time to be amongst our guests during the reception and before dinner.