GNI MAG WEDDINGS 2018

GNI MAG WEDDINGS

OUR 2018 GUIDE TO LGBT WEDDING SUPPLIERS

STARLING E N T E R TA I N M E N T S

Make your day unforgettable with Starling Entertainments

At Starling Entertainments we very much appreciate the time and organisation required by the couple, so it is our pleasure to eliminate some of that pressure and provide you with a professional, fully bespoke entertainment package from start to finish.

Our aim is to lighten the weight of responsibility that falls on your shoulders by supplying the highest quality acts and much more to meet your individual requirements. All of the acts that are accessible to you, have been personally vetted by us before their details are made available through Starling Entertainments. We guarantee that you will get only the best quality entertainment for your very special day.

Its your day so have it your way!

For additional information please contact Tel: 07802 341134 Email: info@starlingentertainments.com

YOUR PERFECT DAY AT THE NEW

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Intro GNI MAG WEDDINGS

This year’s GNI MAG WEDDING suppliment is here. You’ll see some beautiful same sex weddings, maybe you’ll be inspired and see some tips or ideas for your own big day. Our couples tell you how they met, talk about planning their nuptuals, the food and drink, their entertainment and onto how they honeymooned.

Our little island is split in legalities, Northern Ireland still doesn’t offer equality to our LGBT community regarding marriage, unfortunately

we still have to ‘make do’ with civil partnership, but we believe that change is on the horizon, and soon we will be afforded the same rights as those south of the border. Until then we will stay strong, committed, and behind campaigns such as the Love Equality movement.

it’s good to know who actually welcomes your hard earned cash, without discrimination.

In this book you’ll also find information on some wedding suppliers who identify themselves as accepting and welcoming to LGBT couples planning their big days. Given tales of discrimination from across the globe,

Lots of Love

PAGE FOUR gnimag.com

So, read on, be enlighted and informed. Please be sure to let our featured suppliers know that you found them in GNI MAG WEDDINGS.

Team GNI

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS

It definately wasn’t love at first sight for this local couple, but eventually love blossomed. After a three year courtship Jayne popped the question and thankfully it was a joyous yes from Laura.

Their perfect day took place at their family favourite; Ballygally Castle where around 120 of their family and friends joined them to celebrate their love for each other.

They tell us all about it...

PAGE SIX gnimag.com

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS TELL US HOW YOU MET, WERE YOU SINGLE FOR LONG BEFORE YOU STARTED DATING? Jayne

We met in 2011 when I was part of the committee for Belfast Pride and Laura

started volunteering to help raise money. I

thought she was a bit annoying to be honest!

I was in a relationship back then and Laura was a bit of a party animal. We didn’t have

much contact other than Pride business over the coming months, and when I became single again, we had naturally started

chatting more. I asked Laura out to dinner early in 2012 and we hit it off. She wasnít quite so annoying after all!

Laura

I started raising money for Belfast Pride in

2011 and actually my mum met Jayne before I did when she went and collected tickets

from her for an event. I had been single for

around a year at that point and was enjoying myself socialising and meeting new people, having not long come out. I thought Jayne

seemed lovely but I knew she didnít like me,

I think I was too loud and forward for her,

HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED

asked me out in January 2012 I was actually

QUESTION?

dinner and a few drinks, with a second date

Jayne

since.

about 3 years. We had been living together

something she later admitted. When she shocked, but pleasantly so. We went for

that same week and we haven’t looked back

DATING DID IT TAKE TO POP THE

I proposed in 2015 so we were together

for a while prior to that and I really wanted to make things official! I also wanted to secure our wee family for our daughter

Abbie who probably the most excited at

the news. Laura said yes straight away, and

thankfully liked her ring which I had picked myself. She’s fussy so that was a relief !

Laura

Jayne proposed in June of 2015. She sort

of tricked me as I had been winding her up about buying me diamonds but we had a

huge trip to Florida planned for the end of June and she kept saying that there was no way with the holiday in the pipeline. She

actually had the ring hidden in the house

since March! Of course I said yes straight away.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIG DAY Jayne

We had the ceremony and reception all at

Ballygally Castle Hotel on the north coast.

It was the obvious choice for us as we like to go there for weekends away and family

meals, I think Norman the manager would have killed us if we went anywhere else. It

was a perfect day from start to finish and we just loved every minute. I cried when I seen

PAGE SEVEN gnimag.com

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS Laura coming up the aisle towards me, she

was not a dry eye in the house!

Your Cupcake’ and lots of stuff for guests

well and we danced the night away into the

WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD AND DRINK

went down a storm. Abbie was in charge

looked beautiful. Everything just went so wee small hours.

Jayne

Laura

of Ballygally at all. The food was beautiful

I honestly wish we could go back and do

it all again, it was the perfect day but went so quickly. All the providers we had were

so amazing and it all just came together so well. We put a lot into the planning and

We could not fault the service and standard and everyone was well looked after. We had a three course meal in the late afternoon, accompanied by cocktails and a buffet in

the evening. Laura is known as the queen of shots in our friendship circle so we

to decorate their own cupcakes which

of her own candy cart and had the job of

restocking it all day, thought I’m pretty sure she ate more than she put in the bowls. The

hotels service and food was amazing, and my Aunt Christine has actually held a dinner

party for her friends and recreated the whole meal as she loved it so much.

just had to have little shots for everyone

DID YOU HAVE A HONEYMOON?

entertainment during the speeches.

Jayne

friendship and celebration from start to

Laura

was simply amazing. I planned the whole

dress and how stunning she looked and the

and alco-pops waiting for everyone. Not

tried to add as many little personal touches as we could, and I think it all paid off. We had around 120 of our friends and family there, and it was just a day full of love,

finish. Jayne blew everyone away with her

nightlight has to be when Jayne gave Abbie

a little promise ring and made her own vows to her about becoming her Mummy. There

as our favours. That provided a lot of

After the ceremony we had buckets of beers the traditional choice but much more suited to Jayne and I than prosecco. We also had a cupcake stand with the sign ‘Camp Up

PAGE EIGHT gnimag.com

Yes, we went to Thailand for two weeks. It thing in secret and only told Laura not long before the wedding. We traveled around a

bit to different locations, stayed in beautiful hotels and it was just fantastic. It was also so lovely just to be away together to chill

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS

after the busyness of the planning and the wedding itself.

Laura

Jayne planned the whole honeymoon

along. Jointly we love socialising with our

cinema and our box set marathons together,

cinema a lot together.

are partial to throwing a wee party every

or barbecues at our home. We also go to the

We are actually quite different, I like

“Jayne blew everyone away with her dress and how stunning she looked and the nightlight has to be when Jayne gave Abbie a little promise ring and made her own vows to her about becoming her Mummy.

There was not a dry eye in the house!”

would describe as geeky. We do have a

Laura

usually have a new one on the go. I love

issues, and am regularly on my soap box

herself, which I fully trusted her to do as

she plans all our holidays. I was so pleased when she told me where we were going. It

was the perfect mix of culture, activity and

relaxing in paradise. Abbie stayed with her

grandparents and the only downside to the honeymoon was how much we missed her.

She got plenty of presents though!

ARE YOU INTO THE SAME THINGS? WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE THAT ARE DIFFERENT? Jayne

computer games and things that Laura mutual love of binge watching box sets and planning trips and organising events and

Laura is happy to let me and just coming

interest me. We do enjoy the

friends and regularly host board game nights

I’m interested in politics and human rights ranting about something. Jayne loves

computer games however that doesn’t

PAGE NINE gnimag.com

but also like evenings with our friends. We now and then.

DO YOU DO EVERYTHING TOGRTHER OR DO YOU LIKE TO KEEP INDEPENDENT? Jayne

We do do a lot together and with Abbie as

a family. We both have really busy jobs and so I think it’s important to make the most

of weekends and family time. I’m more of a home bird and Laura likes to head out and see friends and family sometimes too.

Laura

I think we are pretty independent as in we are

not unable to do things separately but we are also most content when spending time together and

with Abbie and our little dog Roxie. Family walks on a Sunday and movie nights with homemade

popcorn are perfect examples of family time, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS

After meeting in a Belfast nightclub, it took Michael 11 years to pop the question. A beautiful wedding in The Merchant was followed by an exciting honeymoon starting in Miami...

SO TELL US HOW YOU MET, WERE YOU SINGLE FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE YOU STARTED DATING? MICHAEL Paul and I met when I was just 19 (December

2004), I was working for Jägermeister part time to get some extra cash and that night I was

working in the Bamboo Beach club. We both acknowledged that there was an attraction.

PAUL Michael and I met in December 2004, I had

been single for six months and was on a night out at Belfast’s Bamboo Beach club. Michael was working, doing a drinks promotion on

behalf of Jagermeister. Our eyes met across a busy bar and the rest is history.

HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DATING DID IT TAKE TO POP THE

to ask Paul. I had pre-booked the Plaza Hotel in New York for a meal as we would soon

be going on holiday to the city. I was very

nervous, but eventually after several drinks I

plucked up the courage and asked the question, it felt like forever for Paul to respond but

thankfully it was a yes. We celebrated that

night with American friends we met on the trip.

PAUL We got engaged in New York city in 2015, 11

years after we first met. I had no idea Michael was going to ask me to become engaged, he

had discussed it with my friends Victoria and

Walter but I was clueless. The answer was an

immediate yes and celebrated with our recently acquainted American friends over several

bottles of champagne in a New York nightclub.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY…

QUESTION, WAS IT AN IMMEDIATE YES?

MICHAEL

MICHAEL We were together for 11 years before I decided

PAGE THIRTEEN gnimag.com

Our wedding day was on the 7th May 2016, I had been planning everything for a year. Our venue for the reception was The Merchant

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS amazing place with fantastic staff. Michael

had done the bulk of the organising, he loves

his spreadsheets and had each element of the day planned to precision, he did a wonderful

job. The main reception was handled by Lynn

Beggs and her team at the Merchant, we could not have asked for a more professional and

fun team to deliver our big day, it went like clockwork.

The entertainment of our guests was very

important to us, we were lucky to book the amazing Jackie Rainey (she can be found

performing at St George’s Market) for our drinks reception. During the meal we had arranged for Lady Portia to inject a bit of

glamour into the proceedings with a fabulous reporta, the room loved her! The Collective Band performed after the main meal and continued live until the very end of the Hotel and we checked in the night before to

help us unwind. Our ceremony was in the City Hall with family and friends then onto Café

Vaudeville for some champagne and canapes prior to arriving at The Merchant hotel for the reception. Paul and I both decided we

wanted our day to be our own not following

any traditions. We did not want a top table or cutting a cake or first dance -we had our own ideas!

I love female entertainers so when I was

planning my entertainment I opted for Jackie Rainey, a female duo acoustic band for our

drinks reception which really impressed the

guests, they even learned our favourite songs.

We had Lady Portia for our entertainment

following our meal who gave a fab performance followed by a game show with some of the

Paul and I are very different, chalk and cheese. Paul is very much into his history and art, and his latest venture of learning to fly, where as I know absolutely nothing about history which drives Paul up the walls, my passion is music, anyone that knows me will know my obsession with The Spice Girls and Eurovision!!

guests, finally the Collective Band alongside Aneta Moran a female saxophone player

who had travelled up from Dublin, the music was amazing! The entertainment was very

important to me, I wanted all of our guests

to enjoy themselves and listen to the type of music that I would listen to. The day was

even better than I had expected and we knew

from the moment we checked to the Merchant Hotel we had made the right choice, the staff

were so attentive and could not do enough for us. I wish I could do it all again!!!

PAUL Our wedding day was the most fantastic day imaginable. We were so fortunate to have

friends travel from all over GB and Ireland

to share our day. Michael and I had chosen

Belfast City Hall for our nuptials and it is an

PAGE FOURTEEN gnimag.com

evening, the dance floor was packed all night,

our surprise was an Ibiza style saxophone solo

by Anita Moran from Dublin.

Michael and I had been to so many

weddings where the couple are separated from their guests for half the day to get photos

taken, we didn’t want that and we found the

perfect match in Gabrielle and Dearbhla from Pop Photography who made us so relaxed and got amazing results.

DID YOU HAVE A HONEYMOON? MICHAEL Yes, for our honeymoon we spent a week in Miami, I was very impressed such a great

city, we also hired a Mustang and drove down to Key West, the drive and scenery was out

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS of this world, something I will never forget.

are very different, chalk and cheese but then

I love reading, history, cars and pubs. We love

Caribbean visiting the Bahamas and the Virgin

his history and art, and his latest venture of

things and it works, we are blessed with an

Finally, we had a week-long cruise around the Islands. We were so impressed we have since been on another four cruises. We met some amazing friends that we are still in contact with so it was a great way to round of the whole wedding celebration.

PAUL The honeymoon was planned, again, by

Michael even before we had agreed on a

wedding venue. We love travelling and holiday when we can, we had always wanted to visit

Miami and opted to spend a week lapping up the sites of Miami staying in the Mondrian

South Beach followed by a week-long cruise on board the NCL Escape around the Caribbean.

We loved the Caribbean and did everything

from waterfall diving to drinking mojitos with

opposites attract. Paul is very much into

learning to fly, where as I know absolutely

nothing about history which drives Paul up the walls, my passion is music, anyone that

knows me will know my obsession with The

MICHAEL

mountains, music and dancing, I recently

so since we got married last year. We do still

enjoy going to the gym, climbing the Mourne

Paul and I will do a lot together, I think more

competed a Strictly come dancing event for

like to do things separate as I think it is nice to

Cancer Focus NI, dancing to the Jive, another amazing experience. Paul, however is the

complete opposite and I could not imagine

doing any of the above. Instead Paul’s interests include Cars, DIY, reading, history and is obsessed with cleaning!!!

Steps, fashion and campery in general, he

This is an easy question. NO! Paul and I

DO YOU DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER OR

with friends and entertaining at our home. I

ARE YOU INTO THE SAME THINGS?

MICHAEL

what they say opposites really do attract.

DO YOU LIKE TO KEEP INDEPENDENT?

interests are different other than socialising

PAUL

ARE DIFFERENT?

amazing group of friends and family, it is true

Spice Girls and Eurovision!! Pretty much all

a famous EastEnders actor, who’s not out!

WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE THAT

the fact we inform each other of different

No, LOL! Michael loves the Spice Girls, recently completed a Strictly Come Dancing

competition for Cancer Focus NI and I loved

his enthusiasm and was so proud of him on his big night. My interests are the total opposite,

PAGE FIFTEEN gnimag.com

give each other some space. We are quite lucky that we share a lot of our friends but we both

agree on letting us have our own nights out or weekend’s away with our close friends.

Matthew Wilson is a Belfast based vocalist and musician with many years experience in wedding and corporate entertainment. He offers a service that’s sophisticated, authentic and quirky.

No studio trickery or cheese, just simple, acoustic arrangements of some of your favourite songs.

With an ability to provide the perfect ambience for each specific event, you can be assured that not only are you getting the best quality live entertainment to enhance your occasion, but you will also be making a great impression on your guests. www.matthewwilsonmusic.com info@matthewwilsonmusic.com

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS

They knew each other for a year before dating, their wedding was a beautiful occasion with 140 friends at Larchfield Estate.

SO TELL US HOW YOU MET, WERE YOU SINGLE FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE YOU

JAMIE

STARTED DATING?

We had 140 friends and family attend Larchfield Estate for a humanist ceremony. I was anxious

JAMIE I’d already known Grainne probably about a year before being properly introduced (joys of a small gay scene).

HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DATING DID IT TAKE TO POP THE QUESTION, WAS IT AN IMMEDIATE YES? GRAINNE Hmm, three years. We took a trip down to

Donegal for a spa trip at Lough Wake Castle. I

about the service because I’ve only ever attended

religious denomination weddings. I was worried that a civil partnership ceremony somehow

wouldn’t feel enough, but we couldn’t have asked for better.

We had debated waiting until such time as

same sex marriage becomes legal in N.I but we’re stubborn and neither of us liked the thought of other people dictating what we could and couldn’t do and when. To us we are married despite what the document might say.

After the ceremony everyone was able to

don’t think Jamie quite knew I had proposed, as

mingle outside during the drinks reception in

the shower! I had the intentions of rose petals

main barn. We wanted it to have a rustic but

I just threw the ring box at her as she got out of all over the bed, but I quickly threw them off

the bed as I heard her getting out of the shower!

My nerves were shattered so I hid behind the

curtain, but yes, she did say yes when she realised it was my way of proposing! Thakfully!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY…

PAGE EIGHTEEN gnimag.com

the Orangery. Our reception was held in the romantic feel. Blue Moon helped us to decorate with fairy lit backdrops, lace beam runners, and draped entrances. A lot of it we did ourselves with family assistance though.

I was completely overwhelmed by the

speeches. Gordon Crawford Aka Trudy

Scrumptious was our Master of Ceremonies

Real Wedding GNI MAG WEDDINGS JAMIE We do a lot of things together like meeting up with friends, entertaining at home and

going to concerts/plays throughout the year. If we are both off we tend to stick together but

we both work shifts so it’s as well we like our independence.

I’m an only child so I must say Im probably

the one who enjoys just chilling and reading

a book by myself the most, whereas Grainne

would rather be socialising and doing something with company when she’s off alone. We’re lucky

we have lots of friends who are happy to keep us

occupied when the other one is working though.

GRAINNE We do most things together, everything tends to be co ordinated around the days off we get together (they don’t come often enough) but

when we do have time off from work we make

so our guests were entertained from the outset.

ARE YOU INTO THE SAME THINGS?

and in the case of my best women she put it all

ARE DIFFERENT?

friends, I’m not the best at remembering Jamie’s

GRAINNE

but I suppose that give her free time to catch-up

Everyone put so much effort into their words into song while playing her accordion.

After dinner Manouche Swing played in the

WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE THAT

barn to get everyone on their feet. We kicked

Well, we like socialising and going out for nice

were quickly joined by our friends on the dance

plays and concerts, I suppose the main thing

off the dancing to Runaway by The Corrs but

floor. DJ Kenny Kane played in the side room

just off the main barn. I blame him for the state of my dress the day after because I spent the

whole night swinging it about the stage and floor dancing.

WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD AND DRINK…

meals and cocktails, we both enjoy going to

we both love doing would be a spa day for sure, or overnight hotel breaks, we tend to do these

frequently! What interests do you have that are different? I’m a massive Football fan, Bow is a

massive Britney Spears fan LOL so they would be complete polar opposites!

DO YOU DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER OR GRAINNE

DO YOU LIKE TO KEEP INDEPENDENT?

The food was beautiful, we used outside caterers Janes kitchen, they were a great choice! With

our wedding being in October we wanted a nice warm menu for our guests.

For our evening guests, and incase anyone was

feeling hungry after a few drinks, we had staff

bring round trays of mini steak burgers and chip cones.

DID YOU HAVE A HONEYMOON? JAMIE We went to Orlando two days later. It was so funny because as soon as we stepped on the

first flight one of the cabin crew had seen our

wedding photos on Facebook and recognised us from a friend of a friends photos. On the next

flight a friend had arranged champagne when we got to our seats so we were spoilt from take off.

PAGE NINETEEN gnimag.com

sure to spend it together or together with

Rota so I tend to work the days jamie has off, with her girls LoL, if I do manage to have a

day off whilst Bow is working I’ll no doubt get myself in trouble for going for “one drink” I’m getting better at not doing that now!

All in all, marriage is everything I thought

it would be, and I could never imagine my life

any other way, we are both thoroughly looking forward to the future together.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY LAURA J CURRAN PHOTOGRAPHY. WWW. LAURAJCURRAN.COM

Cakes GNI MAG WEDDINGS

CONTACT ZUKO’S BAKERY 6 Coolmine Cottages Mulhuddart Dublin 15 Ireland 00353 8514 18160 zukoscakes@gmail.com www.zukosbarkery.com

Z

uko’s Bakery is a family run bakery set up in 2017 by Holly and Lorraine Ryan, with the intention of breaking away from the traditional standards of wedding and celebration cakes.

After years of working as a pastry chef Holly decided to follow her dream and become a cake designer and her aunt Lorraine who worked in healthcare had her heart stolen by the art of baking! Thus began the creation of Zuko’s!

Step 1: Your consultation: You and your partner get to meet with one of our cake designers to taste some samples, talk about your theme, wedding plans, budget and everything that makes your relationship special. You’ll also be able to ask any question and air your wishes.

Step 2: Your sketch: After your consultation your assigned cake designer will sketch several designs and broken down price quotes and descriptions of each.

But we’re not just ANY bakery. Our passion stood out so we made sure our cakes did too.

We love to design cakes that are as unique as they are quirky and beautiful.

Step 3: The go-ahead: Once your happy with your chosen sketch design and flavours we’ll begin to create your dream cake and deliver it to your venue on your big day!

But our favourite and most important aspect of our buisness is our wedding cakes.

Weddings are special and one of a kind, a day that echos the love two people have for each other. We believe your wedding cake should be as unique and memorable as the rest of your wedding. That’s why each of our wedding cakes are custom designed.

Each of our couples are very special to us.

We will always do our best to meet their demands, no matter how OTT. We’ve done cakes with sculpted figures, moving elements and even one that POURED prosecco! Yeah thats right. Check out our website to see the video.

We also understand how stressful wedding planning is! So we have constructed a simple 3 step process to achieving the perfect wedding cake for you and your bride or broom (bride-groom! Get it?!) to be...

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We’re Zuko’s Bakery. We are the one that you want!.

Ceremony Music GNI MAG WEDDINGS

D

arren is a seasoned professional having been playing piano since childhood. After graduating in music from the University of Ulster he embarked on a career in the field he loves. Spending his career teaching piano and playing at weddings, functions, and entertainment halls, churches and venues around the world.

Your music choices at your ceremony reflect you and your relationship, choose something special to you and your future spouse. Darren has been requested to play everything during wedding ceremonies, from hymns, piano renditions of pop tunes, and even the Dr Who theme tune. Your wedding is unique - your ceremony music should be too.

Darren has also been requested to teach couples how to play “their song� on the piano, that the couple will then peform together during their wedding day, creating an extra special memory for everyone there.

CONTACT Darren Day Piano Belfast 07712 209163 darrensbaird@gmail.com www.facebook.com/darrendaypiano

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Entertainment GNI MAG WEDDINGS

Y

ou and your partner will ALWAYS REMEMBER your wedding day but when the prosecco wears off will your guests remember your entertainment ????

Guarantee your wedding day will be the talk of the town for years to come by booking the fabulous VIXEN!!

This sexy, sassy all female lineup are the real deal and will ensure your day is as exciting as you want it to be.

The soundtrack to your day will cover everything from Tina Turner to Pink, Erasure to GAGA. From cheesy pop to commercial dance!!

Jamie is also one of the countries most in demand ceremony singers and will create the most intimate atmosphere as you walk up the aisle to meet the love of your life .....

The girls can provide entetertainment packages for your full wedding day.

So to GUARANTEE everyone remembers your special day BOOK VIXEN!!

CONTACT VIXEN CT Entertainment www.ctentertainment.co.uk 02890 428800

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Favors GNI MAG WEDDINGS

W CONTACT Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland 129 University Street BELFAST BT7 1HP 028 9024 9041 Fax: 028 9023 9296 info@womensaidni.org www.womensaidni.org

omen’s Aid is the lead voluntary organisation in Northern Ireland addressing domestic and sexual violence.

Women’s Aid Federation NI manage the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline offering support to all those affected by domestic and sexual violence.

We managed 26,457 calls in 2017-18. It is truly a lifeline and provides a gateway to specialist services within Northern Ireland.

The Helpline service supports anyone directly affected, including family, friends and third parties. We are open when others are not, offering 24/7 support every day of the year.

Our vision for the 21 st century is the elimination of domestic and sexual violence and we exist to challenge attitudes and beliefs which perpetuate domestic, sexual violence and abuse.

We seek to promote healthy and non abusive relationships and run preventative education programmes in schools and other venues. To date 70% of primary schools in NI have benefited from the Helpling Hands training enabling teachers to deliver this programme to our children.

Make your special day even more meaningful by donating to us in lieu of favours and encourage your guests to do the same. Talk to us and we can arrange to supplement favours for badge and/or donation envelopes. Contact us on info@womensaidni.org for more information.

In the meantime you can donate if you Text WANI01 and the amount you want to donate to 70070 or via https://www.justgiving.com/wafni

PAGE TWENTY FIVE gnimag.com

Venue GNI MAG WEDDINGS

A CONTACT Deanes 28-40 Howard Street Belfast BT1 6PF Deanes at Queens 1 College Gardens Belfast BT9 6BQ

t Deanes we will tailor your wedding celebration to suit your taste and budget. We offer free room hire and Wedding Menu prices start at £30 per person.

Whether in the sumptuous surroundings of the Private Room and Bar at Deanes, Howard Street or in leafy South Belfast where Deanes at Queens boasts a pretty south facing terrace adjacent to Botanic Gardens - every aspect of your celebration will be looked after by our award winning staff with their renowned flair for perfection.

The Private Dining Room, Deanes, Howard Street Elegant and lavish dining room with a private bar in the Deanes Flagship premises located in Belfast City Centre • Suitable for 15 – 56 guests seated and 100 guests standing • Civil Partnership licence

Deanes at Queens, 1 College Gardens Unique venue for a celebration with superb food in stylish surroundings • Suitable for up to 140 guests seated in the 028 90 329080 main restaurant and up to 44 guests in The info@michaeldeane.co.uk rachelmatthews@michaeldeane.co.uk Private Dining Room www.michaeldeane.co.uk • Civil Partnership license Please get in touch to arrange a meeting at one of our restaurants to start planning your fabulous day.

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Venue GNI MAG WEDDINGS

S

ituated in the heart of Belfast city’s historic Cathedral Quarter, the exceptional luxury of The Merchant Hotel is a beautiful blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco elegance. Adorned with the finest furniture and impeccable finishes, The Merchant delivers opulence at every turn.

CONTACT The Merchant Hotel 16 Skipper Street Belfast BT1 2DZ Contact: Wedding Co-ordinators 028 9026 2717 weddings@themerchanthotel.com www.themerchanthotel.com

Prepare for your special day in one of our deluxe bedrooms or suites before having your ceremony, and then your reception, in one of our suitably appointed event spaces. Our Rita Duffy room is the perfect venue for up to 150 guests while our Roof Garden is ideal for smaller more intimate weddings.

With a strict one wedding per day policy, our commitment to you is absolute. Our wedding packages start at ÂŁ55p.p. and have been designed to suit a broad range of tastes and budgets and can also be a convenient starting point in the creation of a completely bespoke Merchant wedding experience.

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Venue GNI MAG WEDDINGS

CONTACT THE THREE TOWERS ECO HOUSE & ORGANIC KITCHEN AT SLIEVE AUGHTY CENTRE Kylebrack West Loughrea Co. Galway H62 DX77 +353 (0) 90 97 45 246 weddings@slieveaughtycentre.com www.slieveaughtycentre.com

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ucked away in the rugged hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains is a hidden gem, the 4 star Three Towers Eco House and Organic Kitchen. An exclusive, intimate venue, The Three Towers is part of the Slieve Aughty Centre, encompassing 35 acres of fields and garden, equestrian facilities, and guest accommodation, all surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of forestry.

Say your vows outside under the shelter of the living pergola or indoors in the Poplar Room, with big windows offering views of the towering poplar trees and allowing lots of natural light.

Afterwards, enjoy a glass of Prosecco in the Italian garden and take advantage of all the stunning places for intimate and group photographs. Your guests are seated at rustic timber tables for a 4 course meal, guaranteed to be organic, delicious and homemade.

Dance the night away on the marble floors, or relax by the fire outside on the deck.

Catering for up to 80 people for a ceremony and meal, The Three Towers belongs to you and you only for the day of your wedding. It is like owning your very own country estate, with loads of places to explore and delightful artistic touches throughout. Even the guest accommodation is stunning, with each of the 9 rooms different in colour and dĂŠcor. The bridal suite boasts a 4-post bed and large balcony with serene views of the countryside.

The Three Towers expert wedding planners are at your service to make sure your day is just the way you want it. Because the venue is exclusively yours, it is possible to add lots of personal touches, create any schedule that suites you, cater for special menus, and even entertain the kids or include horses and ponies in your ceremony or photos. If you can dream it we can make it come true!

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Video GNI MAG WEDDINGS

W

e are Amber Tree Filmhouse.

A hand picked crew of passionate photographers, cinematographers and story tellers with an urge to create high quality content. We believe life is what you make it and we aim to make it fun!

Nothing makes us happier than when we’re out exploring the world around us, cameras in hand, investigating new ways to document what we see. Capturing moments, preserving them in films and imagery forever.

We’re lucky enough to have the best job in the whole world, watching couples say their vows and be surrounded by their loved ones on one of the most important days of their lives together. We believe that true love always wins. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or what your background is.

Bringing your story to life is what we do best! When we capture your memories we make sure to show the real you. A wedding day isn’t just about the rings and the “I do’s”, it’s about everything that brought you to that moment.

So if you’re like us and are a little adventurous, like seeing the world from a different angle, love making new friends and meeting new people then it’s probably more than a coincidence... we must be made for each other!

CONTACT Amber Tree Filmhouse Lapwing Park Newtownards Co. Down 07716 396059 hello@ambertreefilmhouse.com www.ambertreefilmhouse.com

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Specialists in Cosmetic Medicine

Permanent reduction of unwanted hair by intense pulsed light Laser treatments to remove: facial/leg veins, red/brown birthmarks, age spots and tattoos Treatments, including injectables, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles Lip fillers

Microdermabrasion to promote smooth, even skin tone Chemical peels N Lite treatment for Acne / Rosacea Injections to elminate underarm sweating Stretchmark removal by laser

At Laserase we pride ourselves in the difference we have made to peoples’ lives

T: 028 9077 7772 525 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 3BS E: info@laserase-medical.com W: laserase-medical.com EHSSB REGISTERED CLINIC Medical Director: Dr Donal McKeown, Specialist in Cosmetic Medicine and a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors

Break Away From Normal

Where the loving is easy CALL 01 640 6309 E. weddings@castleknockhotel.ie www.castleknockhotel.com

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T: 028 9074 0746 M: 079 6816 7811 T: 028 9074 0746 M: 079 6816 7811 E: thesugarroom@gmail.com E: shamola@icloud.com

Spring Sensation Wedding Offer

Any remaining dates in 2018, 1st September to December 30th

ÂŁ1495 FOR UP TO 100 PERSONS

4 course Meal Glass of Bubbly for Toast Complimentary Room Rental Complimentary Bridal Suite

Deposit required by June 30th 2018

75 Belfast Road Carrickfergus BT38 8PH

Contact the events team on 028 9335 8806 or Sales@loughshorehotel.com