When the pandemic hit, Julie and Jonathan went from eloping in Bali to 'tying the knot' just a few minutes away from their home in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. Newlywed Julie shares her #lockdownlovestory with us…
Firstly, we must ask, how did you and your fiancé meet?
“I was heading to New Zealand for the year back in 2013. I was having a leaving party and a friend of mine brought Jonathan along [we did know each other]. Then, 6 months later Jonathan flew out to New Zealand for a visit and the rest is history!”
When and where did you and Jonathan get married?
“We were meant to surprise everyone with a private elopement in Bali on the 17th July 2020. Obviously with the global pandemic we had to come up with a Plan B – so we got married at The Old Rectory in Killyman on Wednesday 7th October 2020 [just the two of us] and our four-legged baby Ralph [our cockapoo]. No-one knew about our Plan B and it was so hard keeping it a secret!”
Tell us a little bit more about your special day and any suppliers that you would recommend...
“Our day was so, so relaxed! We went for breakfast together that morning in Brew [Moy, Co. Tyrone]. Then I headed off for hair and make-up. When I came home, Jonathan helped me into my dress and we headed up to our venue which is only 2 minutes away from our house. Our ceremony was beautiful but it only lasted around 10 minutes because of the restrictions in place at the time.
“We had then booked Chris Copeland to come and take a few photographs for us at The Old Rectory. He is amazing at what he does and we would definitely recommend him. After our photographs, we came home, packed the car and headed away to The Bakers Cottages near Seaford in Newcastle for a few nights. We couldn’t have rated this place highly enough! It was absolutely perfect and such an idyllic setting – and dog friendly too!”
What advice would you share with couples planning their wedding day during Covid?
“My advice would be to do what you feel is right for the both of you! Don't let Covid get in the way of your plans too much and try to look for the brighter days that lie ahead!”
