True Love Tuesday Gemma & Andrew Hardman... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Working nightshifts as a Doctor can be hard work but then when you are introduced to your future husband by your friend it certainly makes it that much easier. Gemma and Andrew enjoyed their first date a couple of weeks later, leading to a marriage proposal six months later on Whiterocks beach on the exact same spot where Andrew had first asked Gemma out on a date. The perfect engagement ring was a Jenny Packham emerald cut halo ring.

Getting married a year later on 19th August 2021 at the same location as the brides parents 32 years previously, Magheramorne Estate.

Gemma really enjoyed wedding dress shopping after trying a few other bridal shops, she stopped at White Gold Bridal, Raceview Mill in Broughshane, knowing the owner Dorothy, Gemma knew that she would find her perfect dress there. The moment Gemma put on her Essence of Australia dress she knew that she had found the one. Having a few adjustments made to the dress by Jane the dressmaker at White Gold Bridal, made it completely bespoke. The sleeves were able to be taken off for the evening reception so it felt like having a completely new dress. Embellished brooches from Kitty’s Jewels in Ballycastle were added to the shoulders as well.
Bridesmaids dresses for friends Eilidh, Sara (also matchmaker and wife of best man Luke) and Megan were also from White Gold Bridal, one the bridesmaids was also 36 weeks pregnant so the bridal party chose two different styles of dresses.
Outfits for Andrew and his groomsmen friend and best man Luke, Dougie and Connor (Bride’s brother) along with Usher Jack (Bride’s cousin) came from Gemma’s fathers shop Spence Menswear in Ballymena.

Gemma is quite an organised person so when it came to planning to the wedding she was in her element, she absolutely loved chatting with all of the wedding suppliers. With the uncertainty with Covid and not knowing what their wedding would be like and what they could do, all the bride and groom could do was just enjoy the preparation and try not to get too stressed about it all. Admitting that with a very busy job and all of the planning it was a bit manic but they got through it and had a perfect wedding day.

A special guest played a huge part in their day, dog Harvey who was off course enjoying being centre of attention in his matching tux, appearing in quite a few photos.
With the ceremony being outdoors and this being Northern Ireland there was the usual worry about rain, the couple however, were very lucky in that there was a slight shower before the ceremony, allowing them time to dry off seats before everything went ahead as planned.
Agreeing that their day was perfect and that they wouldn’t change a thing, the highlight for Gemma was walking down the aisle towards her future husband in front of her friends and family. Andrew said that he has never been happier than watching Gemma walking down the aisle.
Sometimes when you hear a song together you just know that it is your song, this is what happened when the couple heard Ben Rector – Love This, making it the song for their first dance.
Gemma and Andrew both said to other couples planning their big day; “Don’t get too stressed during the planning phase, it will all come together eventually. Enjoy every second, it flies past so quickly”

Travel restrictions meant that their original honeymoon plan to go the Maldives had to be changed, travelling to the stunning Santorini instead where they had an incredible time.
The couple are now having a blast and enjoying every second together in their new home.