Tell us a little bit about how you met & talk us through the proposal.
We met online through Bumble and, after chatting for a while, eventually arranged our first date. We went for a hike through some beautiful woodlands in the Netherlands, where we’re both from, followed by drinks at a local restaurant. It was a simple first date, but it was clearly the start of something very special!
The proposal was incredibly thoughtful and took place on a beach in the Netherlands that holds a lot of meaning for Felix and his family. We had gone there to remember Felix’s grandfather, who had passed away a year earlier. It was a beach Felix had often visited with his grandparents as a child, so it was already a very special place to him.
While we were sitting on the beach with our eyes closed for a moment, Felix suddenly spotted a bottle that he pretended had just washed up from the sea. Inside was a handwritten letter, dated during our last trip to Northern Ireland a couple of years earlier. He had written it as though the bottle had travelled all the way from Belfast, across the sea, before finally finding us on that beach in the Netherlands two years later.
As I read the letter, it led to Felix asking me to marry him. It was such a creative and personal proposal, bringing together a place that meant so much to his childhood and family with Northern Ireland, a place that had also become special to us as a couple.
Ceremony
Phantom House
Reception
The Four Seasons Suite
Why Galgorm?
Galgorm was already a very special place to us before we ever thought about getting married there. Anita knew Galgorm from the time she lived in Northern Ireland, and we had visited together during holidays to Northern Ireland, particularly to enjoy the spa. Felix quickly came to love it just as much.
There is something about Galgorm that we have always loved: the beautiful green surroundings, the spa, the atmosphere and, most of all, how warm and friendly everyone is. It feels luxurious and special without ever feeling pretentious, which really suits us.
When we decided to get married and the idea of having our wedding in Northern Ireland came up, Galgorm just made perfect sense. We already had such fond memories of being there together, and we loved the idea of bringing our family and friends to a place we genuinely enjoy ourselves. We wanted our loved ones to experience Galgorm too and make a whole trip out of the occasion, rather than it simply being about the wedding day itself.
Tell us the most memorable part of your day?
It is so difficult to choose just one moment, but if we had to, it would probably be our ceremony in the Phantom House. There was such a warm and intimate atmosphere, and it became far more emotional than we could ever have imagined. There were definitely plenty of tears in the room!
We had put a lot of thought into making the ceremony personal to us, including writing our own vows. Our witnesses also surprised us by incorporating Ghanaian wedding traditions into the ceremony, and we included a handfasting ritual as well. Somehow, all of these different elements came together so beautifully and naturally.
With only around 30 guests, the ceremony felt incredibly intimate. Everyone was truly present and able to take it all in with us. Looking around the room and seeing how emotional our family and friends were made it even more special. It just felt incredibly warm, personal and full of love, and it is a part of the day we will never forget.
Galgorm Wedding Planner
Jenny
Flowers
Quirky Kitten
Decor & Design
Quirky Kitten
Cake
Lily Pink Bakery
Entertainment
Emer Shearer (harpist) - Draw My Guests (Emma)
Photographer
Wild Fern Photography (Adam)
The Look
Felix wore a beautiful dark green, handmade Italian three-piece suit from Misura Sartoria, which felt classic and elegant while being a little different from a traditional wedding suit. Anita wore a dreamy white gown by Needle & Thread, covered in delicate heart-shaped lace detailing. The romantic, ethereal feel of the dress was exactly what she was looking for and felt perfect for the setting and atmosphere of the day.
The Wedding Party Look
We did not have a wedding party, but we had a dress code of 'Summer Chic'. Some of the men chose light green, and Anita's witness (along with some other guests) chose orange.
Hair
Braids done back home in the Netherlands and then styled on the day by family.
Makeup
Carrie Marley
Nails
Back home in the Netherlands
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