True Love Tuesday Gemma Crawford and Dan Barbara... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Through better or worse, Gemma and Dan didn’t let the wind and rain stop them from having their perfect day.

The couple planned for a Summer wedding which didn’t quite go to plan, but, rather added to the atmosphere and build up to their wedding day.
Gemma and Dan met on the online dating app Bumble three and a half years before they wed.
Dan, who is from London planned the perfect proposal for Gemma on a romantic getaway in Agrigento, Sicily in October 2020. He got down on one knee with Greek temples and stunning sea as the proposal backdrop. Gemma said ‘It was so romantic!’
The engagement ring was chosen with deep intent as it was a family ring that had three diamonds and a gold band.
Gemma and Dan began planning their wedding at Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle Co. Down. The hotel is nestled at the food of the Mountains of Mourne and has six acres of private grounds and a golden strand of beach to the front. A stunning venue for the bride and groom even with the wind and rain – they said “it was perfect!”
Mother of the bride helped with one important aspect to the wedding: choosing the perfect dress. Gemma chose her dress in Perfect Bridal Rooms in Aberdeen, where she currently lives. She told us, ‘It was a fabulous experience! The staff were fantastic and very patient. I went back three times just to make sure I was making the right choice!’
Gemma chose a classic elegant white satin dress with button down detail at the back. She paired it with a white veil which she wore on a low bun along with white and pink roses in her hair to match her bouquet. Dan matched with a rose pinned to his blue suit which he paired with a white shirt and navy spotted tie.
Their guests got to join in the theme of the white and pink roses as they were given petals to throw at the newlywed couple as they walked by them down the aisle. Later in the evening, guests received a slice of cake that was decorated with white and pink roses.
The couple kept their wedding small with fifty-three guests attending. They told us, ‘It was lovely to have our friends and family all together with us on our special day. Lots of our guests had travelled to be there which really meant a lot to us both.’
The bride and groom had their first dance to ‘Our Song’ by Elton John and haven’t looked back, after honeymooning at Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, the couple have described married life as ‘great’!
Their advice to other couples planning their wedding is, ‘all the effort put into planning does pay off in the end – delegate what you can.’