A Love Written in the Stars
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.
In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”
Maya Angelou
Gemma, a 29-year-old primary school teacher from Eglinton, Derry, and Colum, a 30-year-old secondary school teacher from Glasdrumman, Co. Down, first crossed paths thousands of miles from home in Doha, Qatar. It was the 13th of December 2019, a Friday night that would forever change their lives. Both were out celebrating Christmas with their respective groups when fate brought them together in the same bar. The noise inside drove them to the balcony, where they spent the evening talking and getting to know each other. A week later, they were back in Ireland for the holidays, and it wasn’t long before Colum asked Gemma out on their first date, setting in motion a love story, their love story.
Their journey from Qatar to the top of Slieve Binnian, where Colum proposed, is a testament to the strength and beauty of their relationship. The same mountain where Colum first confessed his love for Gemma became the perfect place to ask her to be his forever love. After asking Gemma’s father for her hand, he asked her mum to help him choose the ring, showing just how close the new family are. The ring, a simple yet stunning gold band with a solitaire oval diamond from Lunns Jewellers in Derry, perfectly embodied Gemma’s style—elegant and timeless, just like their love.
After four years together, Gemma and Colum meticulously planned their dream wedding, weaving in personal touches that spoke to their shared history and deep connection. Gemma had always envisioned herself in a plain, elegant gown, and when she found “the one” at Verona Bridal, she knew her wedding day was going to be everything she had ever dreamed of. The experience of dress shopping was as magical as the day itself, with the team at Verona Bridal ensuring that every detail was perfect.
The bridal party, dressed in stunning white and ivory dresses from Ghost at John Lewis, inspired by Pippa Middleton’s dress, included Gemma’s dearest friends and cousin. The bridesmaids—Sarah Mc Loughlin, Anna Quigley, and Dara Mc Ivor—stood by her side, each one symbolising the deep-rooted bonds of friendship and family. Colum’s groomsmen, five of his closest friends and relatives; Cathal Rodgers, Gerard McDowell, Rickey McAteer, Conor McCartan and Ryan Doran, added a touch of camaraderie and joy to the day, with their tuxedos rented from Gowdys in Belfast.
The wedding theme paid homage to Colum’s roots, with the stationery and table names inspired by the Mountains of Mourne, the backdrop of their engagement. The reception at Roe Park Resort in Limavady was a night to remember, filled with dancing, laughter, and even a few surprises, like the 360 spinner Colum had always wanted. Baby Grace, Gemma’s cousin’s child, brought a special touch to the night, joyfully dancing and reminding everyone of the importance of love and family.
Amidst the joy, there were moments of hilarity—like Colum’s friends giving him the bumps and the newlyweds being hoisted up at the end of the night. But for Gemma and Colum, the highlight of the day was the quiet moment they shared in the car after the ceremony. It was a chance to take a breath, to bask in the magic of the day, and to reflect on the love that had brought them to that moment.
As they embark on their new life together, having spent a honeymoon exploring the wonders of London, Shanghai, and Japan, Gemma and Colum are enjoying the honeymoon phase and looking forward to the many memories they’ll create as husband and wife. Their advice to other couples? “Focus on the love and the people who matter most; everything else is just extra”. For Gemma and Colum, their wedding was more than just a day—it was the beginning of a beautiful forever.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO:
Reception location: Roe Park Resort
Wedding Dress from: Verona Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses from: Ghost, John Lewis
Groomswear from: Gowdys Make-up by: Lauren Carton
Hair by: Michael Deery
Flowers by: Ramona Rankin, Flower Krazy
Room Décor by: Look Events
Rings from: Jack Murphys Jewellers
Cake by: Funky Cakes
Transport from: C4 Wedding Hire
Photography by: Chris Mee
Videography by: Timeless Production
Entertainment by: The Professionals and DJ Magiggs
