True Love Tuesday Elaine & Niall Bell.... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

A Fairytale Beginning: The Love Story of Elaine & Niall

Sometimes love arrives in the most unexpected of places, and for Elaine Boyd and Niall Bell, it began on a crisp December evening at the Belfast Christmas Market in 2021. Among the laughter, lights, and festive cheer, fate intervened inside Lavery’s beer tent when Niall graciously offered Elaine his seat. That small act of kindness soon blossomed into something much greater—“the rest is history,” as the couple fondly recalls.

Two years and seven months later, Niall would ask Elaine the most important question of all, and the moment was nothing short of magical. On the Chicago River—one of their favorite places—he had hired a charming little pink Cadillac boat, just for the two of them. As he proposed, a passing river cruise full of strangers erupted into cheers, capturing a moment that felt like it belonged in a movie. The stunning yellow oval diamond, chosen from Birmingham’s famed Diamond District and set on a yellow gold band, made the occasion even more unforgettable.

The Dress, The Details, The Dream
Elaine’s bridal journey began with her mum and aunts by her side. Though she had lined up four bridal boutiques, destiny struck early. At Pronuptia, after trying on a selection of gowns, she slipped into the one—a breathtaking princess-style dress that captured her heart instantly. No other appointments were needed.

Her five bridesmaids—Joy, Méabh, Olivia, Nina, and Dieka, all close friends—looked radiant in dresses from JJ’s House, complementing Elaine’s fairytale vision. Meanwhile, Niall and his groomsmen were impeccably dressed in Freddie Hatchett suits, with his best man Gilly, brothers Matty and Robert, cousin Porter, and best friend Peter all proudly standing by his side.

The Big Day
On July 26th, 2025, Elaine and Niall celebrated their vows at the Clandeboye Lodge in the Blackwood Suite, with 130 guests joining them for an unforgettable day. Their chosen theme, “Romantic Fairytale,” was woven throughout—from the princess gown and sharp black tuxedos to the soft, elegant décor and thoughtful personal touches.

The celebration featured unique moments that left guests talking long after the day was done: a dazzling champagne fountain, a chic personalized Vogue-style photo booth, and even name ribbons that carried a special meaning. When it came time for the first dance, Elaine’s close friend and talented musician Alice La performed the Teskey Brothers’ “Forever You and Me”—a moment that was as emotional as it was beautiful.

While the day went off nearly flawlessly, the couple laugh when remembering their “cake cutting mishap,” where the knife struck the support plate, leaving their first slice less than picture-perfect. But in their words, it only added to the charm of a day that was otherwise smooth, relaxed, and filled with joy.

Highlights, Honeymoon & Happily Ever After
When asked to choose a highlight, both Elaine and Niall find it impossible to pick just one. “The entire day was truly a highlight,” they agree, reflecting on a wedding that felt equal parts glamorous and chilled—perfectly suited to them.

Their honeymoon was as adventurous as it was romantic, taking them first to Mexico City, where they saw Oasis live, before jetting off to Miami, cruising down to Key West in a convertible Mustang, and finishing their trip in Orlando’s theme parks. A stop in London with friends capped off their whirlwind journey before heading home to start married life.

Words of Wisdom
For other couples in the throes of wedding planning, Elaine and Niall offer this advice: “Relax and don’t get stressed out. Have fun with the planning and celebrate milestones along the way with a glass of bubbles. Enjoy the whole process—you’ll look back and laugh at the stressful bits one day!”

Now back home in Northern Ireland, the couple are enjoying the simple, wonderful rhythm of married life. As Elaine puts it with a smile, “So far, no complaints from either!”

From a chance encounter at a Christmas market to a romantic fairytale wedding, Elaine and Niall’s love story is proof that sometimes the best beginnings are also the most unexpected.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO NAME AND TOWN

Reception location: Clandeboye Lodge

Wedding Dress from: Pronuptia Bridal Belfast

Bridesmaids dresses from: JJ’s House

Groomswear from: https://www.freddiehatchet.com/

Make-up by: Louise McAuley

Hair by: Martina – Belfast Bridal Hair

Flowers by: All Seasons

Room Décor by: Look Events NI

Rings from: https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/

Cake by: Relax Cakes

Photography by: Luke Joyce