Names:
Donal & Maria McKinley
Wedding Date:
18th March, 2023
Ceremony Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Portglenone
Reception Suite:
Clocktower Suite
How did you meet?
We met at the opening of Roger Casement’s GAA pitch in Portglenone. It was a sunny, May bank holiday weekend.
When did you know they were ‘the one’/how did they pop the question?
Donal popped the big question at a scenic spot on his farm on 10th October 2021.
How did you begin planning your wedding?
After we celebrated our engagement, the planning commenced. We finalized numbers and thought about what time of the year we would like to get married.
What gives Tullyglass House Hotel the WOW factor?
We had viewed quite a few venues before Tullyglass and nothing compared. It was really homely and the staff were so accommodating from the moment we stepped through the door. The decor of the hotel was beautiful and exactly what we had imagined for our big day. We always knew the food was great, but the real selling point was the beauty of the hotel and its surroundings. The Clocktower Suite was stunning in its set up and we were confident we wouldn’t have to change a thing. In addition to this, the staff were genuinely so happy for us and made us feel like we were the only wedding to have ever taken place in the Tullyglass. Majella, Gus and Maria were super throughout.
What was the biggest MUST HAVE for your wedding?
Good food, good space and warm hospitality for our guests. We loved keeping it local for our guests.
What was the best part in the build up to your Wedding Day?
Celebrating the build up and excitement with our friends and family.
Other than saying ‘I do’, what is the most unforgettable moment from the day?
There are so many stand out memories but one would have to be our first dance with the bridal party. ‘The Tributes’ performed our song live and it was just brilliant and got everyone ready for a party! We would love to re-live that moment.
What was your reception entrance song?
‘This is the Life’ by The High Stool Prophets.
What was your first dance song?
‘From Now On’ by The Zac Brown Band (performed live by The Tributes)
Where was your Honeymoon location?
Cavtat, Croatia.
What’s the best advice you could give to future couples getting married at Tullyglass House Hotel?
Relax and soak it all in. Enjoy the build up and don’t stress too much about the finer details as it all falls into place. The main thing is being able to celebrate with your closest friends and family around you. The Tullyglass are so professional and will keep you on the right track from start to finish. Choosing the Tullyglass House Hotel was the best choice for us, hands down.
HIGHLY COMMENDED SUPPLIERS (please include their Instagram handle and website)
Photographer: Catherine Comer https://www.catherinecomerphotography.com/
Videographer: Matthew Fields Media @matthew_fields_media_
Make-Up: Noeleen McKenna Makeup @studio_three_beauty
Hair: Rebecca Mulholland Hair @rebecceamulholland_hair_
Bridal Attire: Indie Grace Bridal, Fintona https://www.indiegracebridal.com/ @indiegracebridal
Groom Attire: Sams, Ballymena https://www.samsofballymena.com/
Bridesmaid Attire: Reiss
Accessories: Deborah K Design, Lisburn https://www.deborahkdesign.co.uk/ @deborahkdesign
Wedding Rings/Jewellery: Ellison’s, Belfast and Lunn’s. Belfast https://www.ellisonsjewellers.co.uk/
Stationery: Bethlehem Abbey Printing Press, Portglenone Monastery https://www.bethabbeypress.co.uk/
Florist: Milson & Berry, Ballymena https://millsonandberry.co.uk @millson_and_berry
Wedding Cake: Mary McKinley (Groom’s mother)
Wedding Transport: Northern Ireland Wedding Cars https://www.facebook.com/northernirelandweddingcars/?locale=en_GB
Ceremony/Arrival Musician: Aurora- Catherine & Jane. https://www.facebook.com/catherineandjane/
Band: The Tributes https://www.thetributes.co.uk/ @thetributesmusic
DJ: DJ Magiggs (Paul McArdle) @dj_magiggs