A Co Antrim couple has given us a behind the scenes look at their beautiful boho wedding, which was a case of third time lucky after Covid scuppered their plans on two previous occasions.
In Be 's weekly feature Inside My Wedding, couples are delving into their special day to give bride and grooms-to-be some top tips.
This week it's teenage sweethearts Joanna Wilson and Dexter Faulkner, from Lisburn, who finally tied the knot in June 2022 surrounded by their families in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch.
Joanna, who works for the South Eastern Trust, and Dexter who works as a cabler, got engaged shortly after their first child was born but their romance started long before that when they were just 12-years-old.
Joanna explained: "Dexter and I first met when we were 12 at the Lord Mayors' parade, he jumped on the waltzers ride with me and give me a wee peck on the cheek, but we lived in different areas of Lisburn, so we lost contact.
"But after my father passed we moved up to the other part of Lisburn, Ballymacash, and Dexter lived near so on the 11th night we saw each other again aged 15 and it all started from there, now we have four beautiful kids."
Joanna has shared with us all the details of their beautiful wedding.
When did you get engaged?
We got engaged shortly after our first born. Our wedding was held in the Millbrook lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch and we booked this 6 years ago for 2020 but covid hit and it was cancelled again twice in 2021 so it was third time lucky for us.
How did you begin planning your wedding?
I planned every detail of our wedding, I wanted bohemian, earthy vibes so pampass galore and spear palms, the best girl for the job was Gemma at Chichester Avenue, we met and instantly knew what vibes we were going for. I wanted an outside wedding from the moment I first saw the Millbrook Lodge, it was perfect.
Tell us about your wedding dress, the bridesmaid dresses and suits!
My wedding dress and my bridesmaid dresses were from Petticoat Lane Bridal, Hillsborough, and for my groom I wanted something completely different, so we went for the brown tux and black shirt and bow tie. His groomsmen were all in black so he stood out on his own. The suits were from Freddie Hatchet in Belfast and the Flower girls dresses were from Next.
What was the best part in the build up to your day?
The best build up was all my meetings with Gemma sharing more inspo pics trying on wedding dresses with bridesmaids at my side to see the blend.
Tell us about your favourite aspects of the day
So my cake maker actually flew in from London. I saw his work and instantly knew that I needed him! I also grew up and went to school with his husband so had asked him to ask for us. Jordan and I only met two days before the wedding and he was just amazing the cake he created for us was something I had in my head years, he smashed it so all credits go to him. He goes by Phresh Prince of Buttercream online.
Our photography was Creative Flux and we met 4 years ago and I fell in love with their pictures, they are the nicest husband and wife combo and so easy to work with.
My best memory of the day was walking back down the aisle as Mrs Faulkner and also seeing the room. So instead of top table we did a sweetheart table just for it us, it was amazing.
Also we decided on having our cake on a dessert table and I got some beautiful macaroons and cupcakes and little ice cream cones filled with icing by Leah's Little Cakery.
What would you tell other bride and grooms who are planning their big day?
My advice for any bride and groom is to enjoy every single moment, it goes too quick. Take a couple of moments to yourselves on the day of your wedding too as it gets so overwhelming.
Also for brides not to waste money on hair clips mine were actually Ali Express and they were £5 for two. I was dreading them coming but were amazing when they came.
All images by Creative Flux Photography.
READ NEXT:
- Inside My Wedding: NI couple's timeless day at Killeavy Castle
Inside My Wedding: NI couple's beautiful day at Corick House Hotel & Spa
NI couple's unique and colourful wedding day at The Old Rectory
Do you want to tell us all about your wedding day? Email be@belfastlive.co.uk to be featured!
