OUR BIG DAY Ryan & Ian

So tell us how you met, were you single for a long time before you started dating?

We met in the Kremlin nightclub in Belfast on 26th August 2001. Both single for some time, we were out for the night with friends who got chatting to each other and subsequently we did the same. Although meeting someone was not on the agenda for either of us, we both felt an instant connection and attraction which ignited the start of our journey together as a couple.

How long after you started dating did it take to pop the question, was it an immediate yes ? And who and who?

On the night we met, we exchanged numbers and started dating instantly. It didn’t take long for our bond to grow from strength to strength with the realisation of so many common interests and we just felt so comfortable with each other. We identified our favourite bars & restaurants, past times, hobbies, and in particular a great love of travel. Before long we commenced living together, enjoying each others company and developing plans for our future. We continued to build a great life as a couple and experienced many highlights that we are so proud of and were able to share together. Marriage wasn’t really a priority consideration for us, however 21 years after meeting, we felt the time was now right. We were on holiday in our favourite village in Spain in September 2022 when we made the decision to get married. Neither had any intention of proposing however the question “Are we saying we are getting married?” was the output of a general conversation whilst just chilling together. We decided to go for dinner to our favourite restaurant that evening to tease out further and as a result, agreed it was what we both wanted. From there on, the planning commenced!

Tell us about your big day, location, amount of guests etc. Was it planned pre Covid, had you to alter many things?

Given our love of Spain, the initial thoughts were to have a small wedding there, however logistics, finding the right venue and choosing who should and shouldn’t be there proved difficult. As we had been together for so long and this was to be the first same sex wedding for either family, and as we are no spring chickens, we decided to bite the bullet and go all out at home. We narrowed potential venue’s down to 2 and arranged to go and see them meeting with the event co-ordinators at each. Ideally we wanted a summer wedding in 2023, preferably July or August, and on a Saturday. When we visited venue number 1, the only Saturday left that they could offer was Saturday 26th August 2023 which would subsequently be the date that we met 22 years on. Instantly we agreed that this was a positive sign and therefore decided this was to be the date for the big day. That said, we didn’t opt for that particular venue and instead chose the stunning Hillsborough Castle who could also facilitate that date.

We shared our day with 120 guests and had an absolute blast loving every single moment of it. We had a humanist wedding in the beautiful Throne Room, a drinks reception in the Drawing Room & terrace, and our guests had the pleasure of exploring the remainder of the castle and stunning state rooms at their own leisure. For the main

A Humanist Ceremonies wedding gives you the chance to celebrate your marriage with a memorable and meaningful ceremony, totally and authentically personal to the two of you. Warm and welcoming to all, it allows you to mark your special day wherever and whenever you want - the choice is entirely yours.

Our trusted network of Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are experienced in working with couples to create special and significant non-religious marriage ceremonies, capturing your unique and individual stories. Trained to a gold standard by an organisation with more than 125 years’ history, they are all annually accredited, insured and DBS checked so that you can be sure of a professional and reliable service on this most important of occasions.

We have campaigned for marriage equality for decades, and were instrumental in making humanist marriages in Northern Ireland legally recognised. To find out more, and to meet our Humanist Ceremonies Northern Ireland celebrants, visit humanists.uk/northern-ireland/ceremonies/ reception, we positioned a marquee on the south lawn where we enjoyed great food, drinks and entertainment including a fabulous live band, an illusionist, show girls and a Vegas themed casino. There really was something for everyone and the night just kept on giving.

What about the food and drink?

We hired Yellow Door as our caterers and they absolutely exceeded our expectations both on the quality of food and the service they provided throughout the day. Drinks were complimentary for all throughout the day and in exchange of payment, donations were made by guests to our chosen mental health charity. Given our love of travel, our cake was themed and designed as a globe of the world set on some suitcases. Unfortunately our two dogs Motsi and Ernie were not permitted at the venue, so some icing sculptures of them took pride of place on the cake.

Were there any hiccups or did all go to plan?

Our day was absolutely amazing for us and fortunately everything went according to plan with no hiccups at all. The team at Hillsborough Castle were instrumental and had everything totally under control with the finest attention to detail. A fantastic group of people and an absolute pleasure to work with.

Have you or are you going on honeymoon?

Given our love of travel, a honeymoon was an absolute must! We are very fortunate to have travelled far and wide and our honeymoon was no exception. French Polynesia had always been on our bucket list and we felt this was a great excuse to go there. We set off 2 days after the wedding for a 3 week trip, travelling to Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Palm Springs in California. What an amazing trip. We experienced different cultures, met some lovely people, had some fabulous food, fun activities and relaxation and just constantly reminisced over our big day which we enjoyed so much.

In your day to day lives are you into the same things? What interests do you have that are different?

We are fortunate to have so many common interests. Working away from home regularly means we really enjoy our time together whether it is chilling at home, out with our dogs, entertaining or being out with our friends, as well as our weekends and holidays away.

Generally we tend to do a lot together given our interests and shared social circle however both like our own time and space and therefore enjoy a degree of independence also.

Do you do everything together or do you like to keep independent?

Have you a family, is this something on the plan for you?

We are very happy as a couple and never have or plan to have a family together.

Tell us who made your day possible in terms of rings, flowers, photographer, cars etc

We had so many fantastic suppliers who contributed to making our day so special. From a piper who greeted guests, Kim Smart and the team at Hillsborough Castle who looked after our every need, Jo Colgan who provided music for the ceremony and the amazing Aria String Quartet who played classical pop tunes throughout the drinks reception. Our ceremony was conducted by Humanist Celebrant Liz Peel who tailored the ceremony exactly to our liking. Our marquee was supplied and fitted by AR Marquees and dressed by Millies Parlour with beautiful flower and table arrangements. Yellow Door provided the food throughout the day and our cake was provided by Sugar Flower Cake Company. All our stationery from invitations through to seating plans and place cards etc were designed and made by Wellwood Wedding Stationery. Our suits were made by Favourbrook’s London and Bridesmaid dress by Pronovias London. South Africa is our favourite travel destination and as a nod to there, we had our rings designed and made by South African jewellers Browns. For entertainment, we had a first class illusionist Shane Black, the fantastic band The Untouchables, Show girls from Sapphire Entertainment and Casino by Entertainment Ideas. From being at our home early in the morning through to late in the evening, Paul Moane was our incredible photographer who captured the day and all our special moments.

Has anything changed since you said “I Do”?

Yeah, a massive hole in the bank balance!

Celebrate your love for each other with a Humanist ceremony.

Our ceremonies are all about love, not religion, with your story at the centre of everything.

The Humanist Association of Ireland is the only organisation which is legally approved to conduct secular wedding ceremonies in the Republic of Ireland.

Celebrants available nationwide. www.humanism.ie