Jael and Greg’s wedding celebrations evolved from venues that conjured happy memories into a truly personalised, stylish celebration.
How did you meet?
Jael and Greg’s first encounter was at work in 2016. As Jael explains, ‘I harboured a secret crush on him for a while before he made the first move by asking me on a date. I was shamelessly late for our first date at General Merchants, Greg drank too much coffee waiting and was wired and instead of a first kiss I accidentally head butted him!’
Tell us about the proposal.
‘Greg proposed with his mum’s engagement ring, on a walk to the beach just before Christmas 2021.’
How did you find the planning?
‘We decided we would like a summer wedding, but beyond that we didn’t really know exactly what we wanted, explains Jael. ‘I had been at Parisien before on a Christmas do and thought it would be nice for a city wedding. Then we booked our photographer LIT photography. I had fallen in love with Lauren’s style and was willing to get married whenever she was available. So with a bit of jiggery pokery we found a date which worked with all of the above.
What venues did you choose and why?
’There is some uncertainty who actually suggested the Ulster Museum, both of us thinks it was the other. We met in South Belfast, and I went to Queen’s University and studied history so it felt very fitting. As I’ve mentioned we had our reception at Parisien Belfast, who made everything so easy. Everyone said it was the best wedding food ever and it was just so perfect for capturing the urban backdrops we wanted for the photos.’
Can you recommend any suppliers you worked with?
‘Every single one of our suppliers was just phenomenal, from our beautiful car via Star Car Hire, the most spectacular flowers from Bloom Barn, our delicious cake from Lily Pink Bakery and entertainment from the Groovesmen who started the party off right!
‘Our celebrant Stewart Holden is a dear friend and gave us so much help and guidance in planning for our ceremony. He took so much care in telling our story, and guests loved how personal the ceremony was, we are eternally grateful to him!
What did you wear?
’My dress was from Solace London, and I got it online from their website. I knew I didn’t want to spend a total fortune. That said, I wanted something chic and modern. Telfair Tailoring made it fit like a glove.
I wore lilac Miss Sabina shoes from Christian Louboutin and blue Swarovski earrings.
‘The rest of the bridal party wore a mix of high street from &Other Stories, ASOS, Abercrombie&Fitch and Reiss.
‘Greg wore a custom navy velvet dinner jacket from Freddie Hatchett, who couldn’t have been more hospitable or accommodating. Greg now thinks every shopping trip should come with a beer though!
Any favourite moments from the day?
‘Our wedding was the same day as Comic-Con; it really made me laugh when I ran into Princess Peach on the street wearing a much bigger dress than me!
‘The kids’ readings had me in floods of tears and the speeches were just amazing and so special. I wish we had them on video.’
Have you any advice to share with other couples planning their day?
‘Decide what matters to you both, in our case it was food and photography. Your wedding should be a day of celebrating you and your love, you aren’t like everyone else, why would your wedding be?’
Jael and Greg’s Dream Team
Photography: litphotographyni
Ceremony Venue: Ulster Museum
Reception Venue: Parisien Belfast
Celebrant: stewartholdenhumanistcelebrant
Flowers: bloom_barn
Cake: Lily Pink Bakery
Transport: starcarhire
Bridalwear: archive12
