Tell us a little bit about how you met & talk us through the proposal.
So how did we get here today? What twists of fate have conspired to bring these two soulmates together? From Austin, Texas, to New York City, via Scotland and Northern Ireland, fate kept this pair waiting, hoping for each other, until the stars finally aligned.
Their story began in April 2022, when Stef travelled to Austin for a Justin Bieber concert with her friend Diana. Little did she know, Diana and her neighbour Ashley had a little matchmaking in mind! When the idea of introducing Stef to Christian was first mentioned, she quickly dismissed it. After all, she lived in New York and he lived in Texas.
But fate had other plans. Despite a series of obstacles, including a broken-down Tesla, childcare complications and Stef already changing into her pyjamas, the group finally got together. That evening, something clicked.
A few weeks later, Christian moved to New York for a summer law school internship, giving their connection a chance to grow. Their first official date didn't go entirely to plan, with Christian arriving an hour late after getting stuck on the L train, but Stef patiently waited.
Throughout the summer, they grew closer, spending time exploring the city and introducing each other to their friends. When Christian was accepted onto a semester abroad programme in Scotland, they faced their first big challenge: long distance.
Despite the miles between them, they made it work, planning visits to Scotland, London and Northern Ireland, where Stef joined Christian's extended family for Christmas. Even when another period of long distance followed between New York and Austin, their relationship continued to grow through visits, adventures and shared experiences.
Finally, in May 2023, fate brought them together in New York for good. They built a home, started new jobs, adopted their dog Stevie Nicks and supported each other through life's happiest and most difficult moments.
And when the time came to take the next step, Christian enlisted the help of Stef's friends, Ayanna and Nichole, to plan a romantic proposal during her girls' trip to Savannah. Little did Stef know what was waiting for her!
Ceremony
Phantom House
Reception
The Great Hall
Why Galgorm?
Although we’re both from the U.S., Northern Ireland holds a special place in our hearts — it’s where Christian’s mum and much of his family are from, and where his brother and sister-in-law now live. We also fell in love in Scotland, so the idea of celebrating our wedding somewhere that felt connected to that part of the world just felt right. We wanted to do something a little different from a traditional U.S. wedding — something that combined travel, family roots and a bit of adventure. Galgorm felt like the perfect blend of all of that: beautiful, welcoming and full of charm.
Galgorm Wedding Planner
Donna
Flowers
Leaf Designs
Decor & Design
Fairytales Wedding Specialists
Cake
Gemma's Cakes
Entertainment
Ashleigh Kilgore (Ceremony & Drinks Reception)
New Light (Evening Music) from Starling Entertainments
Photographer
Steven Hanna Photo & Film
Videographer
Steven Hanna Photo & Film
The Look
Bride: Dress Designer: Francesca Miranda Bridal | Bridal Boutique: Spina Bride
Groom: The Black Tux
Hair
JLD Bridal
Makeup
JLD Bridal
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.
