In the second instalment of our Bride Diaries with Former Miss World Northern Ireland Meagan Green as she plans her 2025 New Year’s Eve wedding to fiancé Stuart McNeice, she reveals their chosen venue and why it’s perfect for them.
Can you share your wedding venue with us?
‘Yes, we chose Old Rectory Killyman in Dungannon, County Tyrone. We experienced this venue at friend’s Jody & Becky Hughes’ wedding in 2023 and immediately fell in love.
‘The location was superb, it’s only 40 minutes from Belfast. The staff were attentive, going above and beyond. A hand was never empty of a canapé or a beverage. The numerous areas for the guest to relax in made the day flow with ease and the premises were immaculate; not only picturesque but the layout had thought and meaning. Owners Emma and Paul have put so much effort into designing a venue that meets all requirements.’
What were the key factors when choosing your wedding venue?
‘For Stuart and I, it was important that our nearest and dearest were able to attend. Therefore, a venue that was within a 45minute to 1 hour car journey was a key specification.
‘Aside from the travel logistics we also wanted a venue that could hold our number of guests comfortably.
‘We also were on the look for a venue that could offer cocktails at the bar; ss I am partial to a Bramble and Stuart enjoys an Espresso Martini; We wanted that ‘understated luxury’ feel and with our guests in black tie glamour, the look and feel would be completed with a cocktail in hand.
‘Finally, we wanted a venue that would cater to our New Year’s celebrations, permitting our guests to stay and party into the small hours.’
Did you have a specific style in mind that influenced your venue choice?
‘Our theme for our New Year’s Eve wedding celebration was ‘Understated Luxury’; A New Year’s Eve celebration. Therefore, we wanted to ensure the party could continue after the midnight countdown, and guests weren’t hurried away.
We also wanted multiple areas on site that our guests could relax in, from the ceremony to cocktail hour, enjoying entertainment and canapés into the evening reception and beyond.’
What features of your venue stood out to you the most?
‘We loved the idea of starry, night skies and romantic candle light, so we wanted a venue that could complement that. The large open windows of Old Rectory Killyman, lent itself to our vision. Plus we adored the Observatory for our ceremony; the traditional feel of a church, with large glass windows, traditional church pews, made the ultimate ceremony space for our vows.
‘We have always wanted to have everything on site, from the ceremony to the evening reception. This was important to us as we wanted our guests to fully submerse themselves into the day and not have to worry about travel arrangements. We wanted to eliminate as much stress and time restraints as possible, especially with the reduced daylight that 31st December has.’
What role did your budget play in selecting the venue and were there any unexpected costs?
‘To be honest, every bride and groom-to-be will agree, the entire process is filled with ‘unexpected costs’. But Stuart and I agreed, there are things you don’t need to splash out on and others you need to.
‘The venue sets the tone, the backdrop and the entire setting for your day. This is one of the things you have to invest in. What you put into it, you’ll get out of it.
‘We hadn’t anticipated that NYE was in such high demand and that with it being a holiday, additional costs were in place. But we had always spoke about a black tie New Year’s Eve wedding, so we knew that was one of our non-negotiables.’
How did the venue’s staff and their responsiveness influence your decision?
‘Emma from our first email became not only a vendor but a friend; She was attentive, informative, quick to respond and spoke to me on a level that reassured any queries I may have had.
‘She pictured our vision immediately and her energy and enthusiasm for our day, truly made us feel special and looked after.
‘We met both Emma and Paul during our viewing and both were the ultimate dream team. The duo are breathing a new lease of life into the old, stiff wedding traditions. Their attention to detail is impeccable.’
How did you feel when you finally found the right venue?
‘When we were offered a viewing by Emma and Paul, this was immediately after our engagement and during their refurbishment stage. They had explained their vision and we trusted them and their process. Their computer generated visuals helped us envisage their end goal and we loved the new look of the Old Rectory; We had loved it before and we didn’t think it was possible to love it anymore, but we did.
‘Immediately after our viewing, Stuart and I were offered refreshments with an afternoon tea, to relax and chat over everything we had seen. Without one word we knew.
‘Self confessed, I run on the side of caution while Stuart is very much the impulsive and direct one. But we both knew, and just like that the deal was done, scones were had, hands were shook and our deposit was put in place to hold our dream venue on our dream date.’
What advice would you give to other brides who are in the process of choosing their wedding venue?
‘Weigh up what is important to you both. That will narrow your search down. Every couple is individual and every couple will have different requirements and needs.
‘Some people want everything during the day on site, others want that break in the day; travelling from ceremony to reception. Talk with your partner and see what is right for you both.
‘Some want a hotel wedding to reduce any additional organisation or costs of vendors – for example caterers, table décor, etc. And some couples don’t want a hotel look or feel to their wedding. Some like accommodation on site for their guests and others don’t mind.
‘We’ve had friends that didn’t want any open water around the venue as there were small children attending. And others that were having very small, intimate numbers therefore needed a venue that the room wouldn’t feel bare or half empty.
‘The venue sets the tone for the wedding so ensure you are doing what you both want and meeting your own specifications before letting others influence you. It’s your day but it’s true what they say, when you know, you know.’
Read More: Meagan shares the romantic details of Stuart’s proposal
