The Happy Couple
Tell us a little about how you met:
We had known of each other for a few years and had chatted on and off for a few months but nothing materialised. On St Patrick’s Day 2017, Leoni was out in Belfast with her friends and missed the last train home, so she text me asking what I was at that evening. She dropped a few hints and without actually asking me, I offered to pick her and her friends up. To return the favour, she told me she would take me out and a couple of nights later, we had our first date to see Beauty and the Beast at the cinema. From there, we started to see each other more regularly and while on separate trips – Leoni was in New York and I was in London, we realised what we had was special and when we both got home, I asked Leoni to be my girlfriend.
Talk us through the proposal:
I (Jason) proposed at Fairhead, Ballycastle in September 2018, which is where we had one of our very first dates. Fairhead is a cliff edge overlooking Murlough Bay and Rathlin Island and on the day we went, Leoni had no idea what was happening and thought we were just going a walk. I arranged for Leoni’s uncle Niall (who is a photographer) to follow us up and take photos as the proposal unfolded. The day itself was quite possibly the wettest, windiest, coldest day ever and once we reached the top, I had Leoni face towards Rathlin Island and away from me, pretending I was taking photos of her. She turned round and I was down on one knee and she said yes! (Picture attached.)
Your Day, Your Way
Ceremony:
St.Patrick's Church, Crebilly, Ballymena
What made you choose The Loft to host your day?
Our first wedding date had been postponed and we were having doubts about the venue we had booked. Neil at Starling Entertainments mentioned The Loft to us and after a quick chat with Abby, we booked a visit to have a look around. From the moment we arrived, we had a good feeling about the venue before we even saw the Loft! The staff were so attentive and as we were a little early, offered us a drink as we waited. Abby showed us around and as soon as we walked up the stairs and into The Loft, we were blown away. The look on Leoni’s face when she saw the room was something I’ll never forget and luckily, our date was free and we made the booking there and then. It was the best decision we made and seemed like it was meant to be after our original wedding was postponed.
Favourite memory of your Wedding:
Seeing eachother at the top of the aisle in the chapel. It was just the most special, amazing moment.
Your wedding planner and thoughts:
Our wedding planner was Abby and we honestly cannot speak highly enough of her! She made everything so easy for us from the moment we met her – planning the wedding in eight weeks should have been stressful but it wasn’t! She made sure everything ran like clockwork on the day – from looking after the page boy while we were taking photos to co-ordinating the speeches to making sure we always had a drink, she could not have been more helpful. So many of our guests commented on how great a job she did, so that says a lot in itself. Just to add, we called up to the Rabbit for a drink and bite to eat after we got back from honeymoon and she even had two glasses sent to our table which was a lovely thing to do.
Top Tips:
Honestly, just enjoy it - everyone tells you that the day flies in and it really does. Take some time just the two of you away from everyone else on the day and lastly, get some sleep the night before!
Shout Out To The Dream Team
Wedding Stationery:
Perfect Day
Cake:
Buttercream and Blossoms
Flowers:
Ivy Lane
Entertainment:
Starling Entertainments
Photographer:
Angel Photography and Film
Wedding Dress & Accessories:
Dress - The Bridal Company, Templepatrick
Accessories - The Little Pearl Company
Bridesmaid's Dresses:
She's Fabulous, Garvagh
Groomswear:
Groom - Dee Graham Tailor Made
Party - Hire Clas, Ballymena
The Glam Squad
Hair:
Gemma Weir at Coco Rose, Ballymena
Makeup:
Kelly McAleese MUA
