True Love Tuesday Ellen & Noah Thompson... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

For Ellen Reaney, a teacher from Armagh, and Noah Thompson, a clerical officer from Ballymena, their wedding day was a dream five years in the making — and it turned out to be everything they hoped for and more.

A Love Story That Began by the Sea

The couple first crossed paths in Portstewart, where mutual friends introduced them, secretly hoping they’d hit it off. Their instincts were right. What started as a simple meeting by the sea quickly grew into something lasting.

Five years later, Noah planned a proposal that was both thoughtful and deeply personal. On a summer’s day at Ardress House, he suggested a walk followed by a picnic. As Ellen laid out the food, Noah got down on one knee. “I always wanted to get engaged somewhere I hadn’t been before,” Ellen says. “It was perfect, because we could then share the moment straight after with my family.”

The ring was a labour of love too — designed together in London at Searle Jewelers, a timeless platinum piece with an elongated cushion stone and antique-style baguette diamonds. “I had such a clear idea in my head, so we knew bespoke was the way to go,” Ellen recalls.

Finding The Dress

For her wedding dress, Ellen turned to Petticoat Lane in Hillsborough, a boutique close to her heart as it was also where her sister had found her gown. After visiting several other shops, Ellen knew this was the place where she’d find ‘the one.’

“I had seen the dress on their Instagram and couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she says. “When I finally tried it on, it just felt right. The whole experience was amazing — the girls made such an effort with my mum and bridesmaids, and their excitement when I came back to collect it was unforgettable.”

Her bridesmaids — sisters Abigail and Lily, and sister-in-law Ellie — also wore Petticoat Lane dresses, creating the perfect complement to Ellen’s regal lace gown. Meanwhile, Noah and his groomsmen looked sharp in morning suits from Ludlow Menswear, with his brother as best man and Ellen’s brothers as groomsmen.

A Ceremony Filled With Meaning

On 25th July 2025, the couple exchanged vows at Armagh Baptist Church in front of 110 guests. For Ellen and Noah, the ceremony was the highlight of their day. “We had put so much thought into the readings, hymns, and who was involved,” Ellen shares. “As a teacher, having some of my school choir sing was really special. Our vows were the most important part — it felt still, reverent, and deeply meaningful.”

A Castle Celebration

After the ceremony, the celebrations continued at the breathtaking Hillsborough Castle. The couple chose to draw inspiration from the venue itself, creating a timeless, regal atmosphere that felt perfectly in place with the historic surroundings.

From the men’s morning suits to the corded lace of Ellen’s gown, and even the bespoke illustrated coat of arms on their stationery (hand-drawn by Ellen’s brother), every detail tied into the regal theme. “We wanted everything to feel classic and elegant, but still very us,” Ellen says.

Guests were treated to a host of personal touches, including an ice cream truck from Graham’s of Dromore, garden games, a photobooth, and a sweet table. But the most heartfelt detail of all was the wedding cake, lovingly made by Ellen’s grandmother. It even featured hand-iced flowers that echoed those on Ellen’s parents’ wedding cake — a sentimental nod to family tradition.

Dancing Into Forever

For their first dance, Ellen and Noah chose “Let Your Love Flow” by The Bellamy Brothers, an upbeat song that set the tone for the evening. “We didn’t want a slow first dance,” Ellen smiles. “We wanted something joyful that everyone could join in on.”

As the night unfolded, surrounded by family and friends, Ellen and Noah couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day. “All the planning came together, and we felt so relaxed — which meant we could truly enjoy every moment,” Ellen reflects.

Honeymoon & Happy Ever After

After the wedding, the couple jetted off on an unforgettable honeymoon, combining adventure in South Africa with relaxation in Mauritius.

Looking back, Ellen and Noah say they wouldn’t change a single thing about their wedding day. Their advice to other couples? “Be organised,” Ellen shares. “Set aside regular time for wedding planning so it doesn’t take over every conversation. It really helps.”

Now happily married, the couple are settling into life together with hearts full of gratitude. Their wedding was regal, timeless, and elegant — but most of all, it was a true reflection of their love story.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO NAME AND TOWN

Reception location: Hillsborough Castle

Caterers – Craft Event Co

Marquee – MJM Marquees

Ice Cream – Grahams Ice Cream

Games – Kings and Queens Event Hire

Photobooth – Little Moments Photobooth NI

MOB Dress – Janet Courtney Design

MOB Hat – bespoke by Rosalyn

MOG Dress – Una Rodden

Wedding Dress from: Petticoat Lane

Bridesmaids dresses from: Petticoat Lane