Real Weddings

Real Wedding

Ruth & Tom's Wedding

Back View List Next

The Couple

Tell us a little about how you met

We met when we were 14, he was romantic, even at that age. I was awkward, I still am! 17 years later, we finally got it together. We made London our home and so the journey continued and what a journey it has been!!

Talk us through the proposal

One day on a drive up to the North Coast we thought we would pop into Galgorm for a wee nosey and some Lunch, we walked Sherlock (the dog) around the beautiful grounds, we peaked into the Phantom House, it was all set up for a wedding, it was like a fairytale! Tom fell in love with the whole setting and so hatched a plan. In the next few weeks, I received a phone call from the lovely Laura at Galgorm to say that they would like to offer us a complimentary romantic overnight stay... waow, I thought... Brilliant!! I did not even think to question this strange, out of the blue offer! How lovely, I had really wanted to spend a day in the gorgeous spa after only getting to see it from a distance on our last visit. From here, I was lead down the garden path, clueless to all that was happening around me. We spent a beautiful day at the Spa, drinking cocktails, soaking in the hot tub and just chilling... we went for a little stroll before dinner, Toms idea, unusual, as he is not normally one to put anything ahead of his food. We were cutting it fine time-wise with the booking I had made, but thought, why not! We walked (I was guided it would seem) down to the Phantom House, the doors were open, we popped our heads in. There was a red carpet, rose petals and candles all laid out leading up to the double doors out to the balcony area outside by the waterfall. Quickly I tugged at Tom and said 'flute we better go, something is planned here and us two numptys are going to get caught in the middle of it'. ' Sure come on in for a peak' Tom said. Reluctantly I walked on in, outside I saw a little table and 2 chairs all set up pretty with a picnic basket and a bottle of champagne, like a scene from a movie. Still clueless, I grabbed Tom and turned to walk out, I did not want to be the one to spoil someone's lovely surprise... 'sure take a seat'.. Tom said... the penny finally dropped, this was for me!! I burst into tears and turned to see my handsome English man on one knee with the most beautiful sparkling ring! Overwhelmed! Turns out all the staff were in on it, what an evening! We went the next morning, met up with the amazing Laura and booked her next available date! 8 weeks later we were ' The Allens'. 7 months happily married now and in 6 months, we will be a family of 3 and the dog - we really don't do things by half!

The Setting

Ceremony

The Phantom House

Reception

The Four Seasons Suite

Why Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort

Well, where else would we want to get married, for so many reasons! The setting, the dining, the meaning behind it, THE STAFF! Literally cannot speak more highly of them, the nicest most obliging group of people. Laura was simply amazing, she lead us through the whole thing, despite only giving her 8 weeks to do so! It was a real bonus that Galgorm is close to the airport we had quite a few friends and family traveling over from London for our wedding, plus, what nicer way to be introduced to Northern Ireland than a stay at such a gorgeous resort.

What made you choose a Resort location

As above

Tell us the most memorable part of your day

Walking into the Phantom House arm in arm with my daddy, seeing how pretty and ambient everything looked. Hearing the harpest play and sing 'How long will I love you' by Ellie Goulding in the sweetest voice. Finally looking up to the top of the Aisle to see my Tom standing with the biggest smile on his face, in his standard dress... shorts and flip flops... Both of us agree that the ceremony just really made the day!

Advice for future couples

Don't stress! Galgorm have got this! We did it in 8 weeks with no extra hassle whatsoever. Also, we didn't get a videographer for the ceremony, I hate recordings of myself but, we really wish we had!

The Dream Team

Galgorm Wedding Planner

Laura Patterson - Amazing!

Wedding Stationery

Treeofhearts.co.uk

Cake

Layer Cake, Lisburn - awesome!

Flowers

Leaf Designs. I wanted relaxed and pretty. Linda nailed it!

Entertainment

The Coves. They really got things going even managed to play Maniac for my friend on the fiddle! Unreal! Amy McAllister was our harpest, beautiful.

Décor & Design

Leaf Designs

Photographer

The Three Bears Photography. These guys are cool, we spent a random evening in London with Darren and Anna for our engagement shoot. We love our photographs!

Favours

Little packs of mints wrapped in Hessian saying 'Tom and Ruth, Mint to be'.

Theme

Relaxed