Dara and Gavin

Welcome to the

wedding of

dara

and

gavin

Our big day

Dara and Gavin are engaged to be married, with the big day set for SATURDAY May 21st, 2022 AT ONE THIRTY IN THE AFTERNOON!

The ceremony and reception will take place at The Ivory Pavilion, Ballymena.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Our story to date

2014

While at Liverpool John Moores University, against her better judgement (probably influenced by alcohol) Dara decides that dating Gavin is a good idea.

2015

Gavin leaves to undertake a PhD in Doha. Dara has her opportunity to use “long distance” as a reason for the relationship not to work, but the lure of exciting holidays makes her rethink.

2019

Gavin moves back to the UK and returns to Leeds where Dara is undertaking her STP at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Gavin sets up his own business, Running Smarter.

2020

The year of 8 house moves and a house flood… This is guaranteed to come up during the wedding speeches!

10th March 2020, after 6 years of making Dara wonder and wait, Gavin decides that Central Park in New York is the location to ask Dara to marry him. Gavin and the engagement ring nearly fall out of a row boat but he manages to steady himself and gets the words out to ask Dara to be his wife. Dara said YES!!!!!

the venue

The Ivory Pavilion at Galgorm is a simply stunning venue set within the grounds of the historic Galgorm Castle which we fell in love with instantly.

Galgorm Castle Estate enjoys a central location within the province, one mile south of Ballymena town centre and just 25 minutes from Belfast.

We hope that you will have a truly unique experience at our wedding where modern day luxury (electricity and proper toilet facilities!) meets the magic and mystique of the Jacobean Castle, our castle for the day, that dates back to 1618.

Galgorm Castle Estate also includes 240 acres of beautiful parkland bordered by the Rivers Maine and Braid, Galgorm Golf Club, Galgorm Creative Gardens, Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail and Galgorm Hotel and Spa.

Where is it located?

How the day will should go!

Dara’s alarm goes off

7:00 AM

Dara hits snooze but Emily (Dara’s niece) is straight up, runs into her Auntie Dara and jumps on her with sheer excitement that it is her Auntie's wedding day! Emma (Dara’s sister) enters the room with a strong cup of coffee to ease the blow of the morning sun!

Gavin wakes up

7:00 AM

Gavin jumps straight out of bed, puts his trainers on and hits the road for a quick run. It’s the best way to start your day…. Right? After a quick shower, he’s off for a fry, or maybe some healthy overnight oats with the guys!

Guests start to arrive at The Ivory Pavilion

1:00 PM

Here comes the bride...?

1:30 PM

The ceremony is due to start. Gavin, blissfully unaware of the time because he has lost his smartwatch, is unsure of how he is supposed to stand and what he is meant to do. He looks around and notices that all the guests have arrived, the nerves kick in as there is still no sign of Dara. Gavin's Best Man, Philip, reassures him that brides are meant to be fashionably late. Gavin pretends it helps. Groomsmen Knoxy and Graham entertain the crowd. Sorry guests.

Dara arrives

1:30? PM

Gavin breathes a sigh of relief and sees his breathtaking, beautiful bride-to-be. The ceremony starts and before anyone knows it, they are pronounced as husband and wife.

Drinks at the Pavilion

2:30 PM

Time to toast the new marriage with a slice of cake and drinks served by the new Mr and Mrs McClean.

Photographs

3:15 PM

The bride and groom are whisked off by Sheena T. Photography to take advantage of Galgorm Estates outstanding photo opportunities.

Guests enjoy relaxing in the beautiful grounds of The Ivory Pavilion and its breathtaking courtyard, where Giant Jenga, Table Tennis and Quoits will be on the go. Some guests (most likely Gavin’s sister's husband, Jonny), disappear off to the championship golf course within the grounds.

Take your seats, it’s time for speeches...

Take your seats, it’s time to eat...

4:30 PM

The evening meal is served and everyone will enjoy a hearty feed, from our wonderful caterers, Posh Nosh. Once Gavin has some speech fuel, the speeches begin. The guests do a brilliant job of laughing at all of the stories of Dara and Gavin's adventures to date and awww-ing at all the soppy bits. Finally, everyone enjoys a tasty treat as dessert is served.

Let's dance!

8:00 PM

The evening's entertainment kicks off, Dara’s sister's husband, Mark ensures the dancefloor is full and everyone has a jolly old time on the dancefloor!

gifts

Your presence at our wedding is all that we wish for. If, however, you wish to give a gift, we'd be grateful for a small financial donation towards our continued efforts to become homeowners in the future. Please don't go overboard or rob any banks. Any donation will really make our day.

Will you join us?

Thank you! We've received your RSVP and can't wait to see you on our big day!

Fill in the form below if you received your invitation to let us know if you can attend our big day!

Please let us know even if you can’t make it just to let us know.

accommodation

The Ivory Pavilion does not offer any accommodation. We and some of the bridal party have booked to stay in the Galgorm Resort and Spa, within the Galgorm Estate but there are so many other beautiful options for accommodation nearby at various price ranges, please find them listed below.