1. How did you meet your fiancé?

We have actually known each others since we were 16, but only got together about 10 years later! I was living in Dublin & we randomly bumped into each other in a coffee shop in Portrush and I suppose the rest is history. A lot of people say , ‘when you know, you know,’ and that really was the case! I think we both knew within weeks that we were made for each other!

2. How did Andrew propose?

Ahhh, he really did pull out all the stops! We were going on a trip to NYC at the start of December (but trust me when I say I had no idea!) We had just bought our first house together and signed the papers before we left - so getting engaged was the last thing on my mind. On the first day we got up early to go for a walk around Central Park. On this little hill over looking the Boathouse, I looked around and he was down on one knee! I was so shocked I nearly ran away - but of course I calmed down and said YES! We then went to the cutest little bakery called Magnolia Bakery where he told me the ring he had given me was only a ‘proposal’ ring & that we were going to Tiffany’s to pick my actual ring! It was the most special experience - I don’t think I’ll ever forget it & my ring is so beautiful!

3. Were your wedding plans impacted by Covid-19?

Honestly, planning a wedding is a stressful experience in itself. I love planning though and have been a bridesmaid so many times so I really enjoyed it... until COVID! I’m not joking when I say that every day for about 6 months before the wedding, we didn’t know if it would happen or not. But honestly, we just learnt to deal with it. We just had to believe whatever would be, would be. The most important thing we knew was that we wanted to get married and if it meant it was just the two of us eloping up a mountain then, so be it! It didn’t come to that though thankfully. Honestly, the main reason we were able to cope was our venue & the amazing team at Drenagh Estate.

We reduced numbers slightly and cut evening guests - which I would recommend to anyone! We also got the most glorious day and our ceremony was outside which helped with social distancing. So yes, there were restrictions but it is not how we will remember our day & we are just so so thankful it could happen in such a crazy year, it just made it even more special!

4. What brought you to Jade Alexandra Bridal?

This is a great story - I’m originally from Coleraine! Although I’ve lived in Dublin for 5 years and Belfast for 4! J/A Bridal was not open that long and was the second shop I visited! I had NO idea what I wanted - I am the most indecisive person ever! After trying on a few styles I narrowed it down to two dresses, complete opposites as one was Bo & Luca & the other Alyssa Kristin (the dress I chose!) Although I loved them, I still wanted to look at a few other dresses. I ended up visiting about 10 other bridal boutiques all over NI, Dublin & London! No dress came close and in my mind I kept comparing every one to my dress. I brought one of my bridesmaids back for a second look & we finally knew it was definitely THE ONE!

5. How did you know your dress was the one?

It’s about how it makes you feel! Honestly the first day I tried on my dress, I felt like I could just walk down the aisle in it right then and there. It didn’t make me feel like I needed to lose a stone or go to the gym for 6 months! The style, cut, material and overall shape just made me feel so confident. It was the only dress I could picture myself in when I closed my eyes and that’s how I knew!

6. Do you have any dress shopping top tips for future brides?

100% do your research before you go anywhere! My main advice is to pick smaller boutiques. Less is definitely more when it comes to dresses and if you pick the right boutiques they’ll have all the styles you need. You’ll pretty much know as soon as you go, how you feel about the place and their style!

7. Where was your ‘go-to’ for wedding planning inspo?

Definitely Pinterest - I have so many boards! I also looked at different vendors such as photographers on Instagram, their tags and grid to get inspiration.

8. What was the highlight of your wedding day?

This is such a tough question - I think it had to be our ceremony! We were originally going to get married in a church, but decided to move to The Moon Garden in Drenagh due to COVID. As mentioned, we got the most glorious weather but on top of that the Moon Garden is just such a special place! I will never forget walking in and seeing all of our friends and family who we hadn’t seen in so long. During the ceremony the sun was just beaming in and it was probably the most emotional moment of my life! Finally knowing that everything had come together and that I was actually getting to marry the love of my life after months of uncertainty! It still feels like a dream when I think about it!

DREAM TEAM

Dress - MAVEN & Tulle Wings Alyssa Kristin

Venue: Drenagh House Estate

Photographer - Adam & Grace

Videographer - Forever Social

Florist - Tortraits

Transport - Star Car Hire

Entertainment - Ricky Lormier & Sugartown Road

Cake - Gemma’s Cakes

Stationery - Freckles & Fern

Hair & MUA - Olivia Muldoon

Menswear - Hire Class