Sometimes the best love stories begin unexpectedly and for Jess and Owen, what started as a “group trip” turned into something much more meaningful.
Back in 2014, Jess was working in a shop with a girl who knew Owen from college. When a Paddy’s weekend trip to Amsterdam came up, Jess agreed to join what she thought would be a group getaway. But when they arrived at the airport, there was no group… just one surprise arrival. In walked Owen. What began as a setup quickly turned into something special as they spent a few days exploring Amsterdam together. A month later, they made it official.
In February 2024, Owen had another surprise planned. During an early birthday staycation in Belfast, just before dinner, he popped the question, marking the start of their two-year engagement and wedding journey.
The couple always knew they wanted a small, intimate wedding that still allowed them to celebrate with everyone they loved. Finding the right venue proved challenging, as many places didn’t cater to smaller weddings in a meaningful way. That all changed when they visited the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. With the help of Aisling and Clare, their vision came to life, a private, beautiful space for their ceremony and meal, followed by a larger evening celebration. It finally felt like a wedding, not just a booking. Learning that Owen’s late uncle had married there nearly 30 years earlier made it even more special.
Their wedding day on February 28th, 2026, was everything they had hoped for. Inspired by spring, their palette of dusty blues and pinks ran throughout the day. Jess poured her creativity into the details, crafting everything from flowers and arches to welcome signs, favours, ceremony booklets, and even colouring books for the kids. The weather added its own charm. The rain during the ceremony created a cosy atmosphere, before clearing just in time for photos.
Jess wore a timeless ivory dress with sleeves, while Owen looked sharp in a classic tux. Their wedding party complemented the look beautifully, with bridesmaids in long dusty blue dresses and groomsmen also in tuxedos.
Their ceremony was short, sweet, and full of meaning. It included unity candles and handfasting, alongside a mix of music that reflected their personalities, from “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac to “This Year’s Love” by David Gray. A fun, memorable moment came with a walk down the aisle to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain.
The day was beautifully captured by CJ Nash Photography, whose familiar presence helped the couple feel completely at ease. Claire, along with her husband Justin, documented every moment naturally. Instead of a traditional videographer, they chose Mc Moments Content. Eleanor blended seamlessly into the day, capturing over 800 candid clips that were delivered the very next morning.
As the evening celebrations began, the Electrix kept the energy high, reading the room perfectly and ensuring the dance floor stayed full.
One of the couple’s favourite moments came just before dinner, when they slipped away into their evening reception space for ten minutes alone. Sitting together and taking it all in, it was a rare pause in a day that flew by and one they’ll always treasure.
Their advice to other couples is simple: soak it all in. The day goes by so quickly, so take time together, don’t stress about speaking to everyone, and focus on enjoying every moment side by side.
From a chance meeting at an airport to a day filled with love, creativity, and meaning, Jess and Owen’s story is proof that sometimes the best plans are the ones you never saw coming.