Chris and Gemma's wedding was a heart-warming celebration filled with joy and plenty of unique, personal touches. Explore the ways that they made their day their own at a beautiful barn wedding venue in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. With a warm summer colour scheme, preloved wedding fashion and even a hawk ring bearer, you are sure to get inspired by this couple's amazing choices!
The Proposal
Chris and Gemma's love story began on a festive Christmas night out, introduced by mutual friends. After four years together, Chris popped the question in the cutest way by enlisting the help of his niece. He planned a picnic amongst the stunning scenery of Ness Woods. Chris arranged for his niece, Lucy, to call Gemma during the picnic. Whilst on the phone, Lucy asked Gemma if she would marry her uncle. When Gemma turned around, Chris was down on one knee!
The Wedding Venue
Booking their venue was an "easy decision" for Chris and Gemma once they visited Breckenhill, a romantic and intimate barn venue in the rolling hills of County Antrim. As well as landscaped gardens and a serene pond, the venue offers two charming barn options: The Stone Barn, accommodating up to 80 guests upstairs and 30 downstairs, and the spacious Green Barn hosting 125 wedding guests for complete flexibility.
The expansive gardens served as an idyllic setting for Gemma and Chris' humanist ceremony. It also provided amazing photo opportunities throughout the day, captured by the talented Christy O'Donnell Photography and, the space for entertainment options on their grounds.
Breckenhill allowed Gemma and Chris to really make their wedding their own, and the lovely easy-going presence of venue owner Henrietta, really "sealed the deal" for them when booking this venue!
The Ceremony
Gemma and Chris opted for a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony in the gardens of Breckenhill, surrounded by their loved ones. A gorgeous floral arch, decorated with green foliage and stunning pink roses, offered a lovely backdrop for the couple's Humanist ceremony - this was one of the couple's favourite moments of their day as their celebrant made their ceremony deeply personal to them.
Chris and Gemma decided against having a traditional wedding party with bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, they had their family involved throughout the ceremony. Their nephew Jay played a particularly special role, delivering the rings in style with the help of Charlie the Harris Hawk, who flew down the aisle carrying their rings to land on Jays arm. Hawk Walks NI provided several birds of prey and following the ceremony, Charlie and his companions wowed their wedding guests with a mesmerising flight display, making the couple's wedding ceremony truly memorable.
The Fashion
The bride wore a stunning lace wedding dress from Lillian West which she found preloved, on Ebay! She opted for a sweetheart neckline with delicate straps that complimented her braided up-do hairstyle. Her look was completed with an elegant gold pearl necklace and a beautiful hairpiece, matching the green foliage in the floral arch.
Chris opted for a look that paired perfectly with their warm summer colour scheme. He wore a navy tartan three-piece suit from Tomorrows with hints of bronze, matching his waistcoat, floral tie and light brown shoes. The couple coordinated well, their wedding day style feeling boho and chic.
The Entertainment
Gemma and Chris ended their special day on a high with their musical entertainment. After the wedding breakfast, Buskerman charmed their guests on the acoustic guitar, everyone was captivated, dancing "despite having full bellies after the BBQ". DJ Derek then seized the dance floor, playing into the night!
Unique Touches
The couple's big day was scattered with amazing personal elements. For the wedding breakfast, the couple lined the tables with small vases that were filled with an abundance of colourful floral arrangements. From sunflowers to daisies and many in between, Gemma and Chris brought happiness to their guests through their vibrant colour scheme.
As well as the hawk flight display, the couple were surprised by their nieces with an Irish dancing piece that left Gemma in tears of joy!
