“Somewhere between eating goat’s brain and camel hump and riding horses through the countryside, we became inseparable.”
The couple: Paige Harryman & Kjell Bornkamp
Length of engagement: 11 months | Wedding Date: 28th September, 2014
Wedding location: Bellinter House, Trim, Co. Meath
Photographer: Suzanne – Circus Photography
We met… In Mongolia! As an international couple living in Ireland (Kjell is Dutch, and I am American) we get asked how we met quite often. Kjell and I were both volunteering in Mongolia through Projects Abroad during the summer of 2010. Somewhere between living in gers, eating goat’s brain and camel hump, drinking fermented mare’s milk and riding horses through the countryside, we became inseparable.
Our proposal… Kjell cleverly proposed in Phoenix Park on a chilly, sunny Saturday morning in November. I arrived at the park thinking I was meeting someone else, but in reality Kjell had set up a scavenger hunt for me! Each clue along the way was found under a huge balloon, and a stranger came up to me and gave me a dozen roses. At the last balloon, Kjell had prepared a picnic, and he got down on one knee and proposed with a ring in one hand, and a puppy in the other! He’s a true romantic.
My dress… was a Tara Keely gown that I bought in the states over Christmas. There were so many styles that I loved, but ended up choosing the one I felt most comfortable in which I think was the best choice. I would love to wear it again.
His suit… he hired from Pat O’Byrne suits in Trim, and paired it with a white tie. He also wore crazy socks along with all of his groomsmen! They all looked so handsome.
Our ceremony… took place at the gorgeous St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Trim. Our vicar, Rob Jones, from our church Holy Trinity in Rathmines officiated the service. We wanted it to be traditional but keep things relaxed, and he did a perfect job!
We chose our photographer because… Kjell and I both liked her documentary style and Suzanne – Circus Photography – put us both at ease so that we didn’t feel uncomfortable with all the pictures. I was relieved not to worry about how the pictures would turn out, I knew they’d be lovely and I wasn’t disappointed.
We chose our venue because… we felt right at home on our first visit to Bellinter House. We loved the way it was decorated, the stunning grounds, the delicious food and the size of it – we wanted it to feel like our home for the day and it did. I wish we could relive the day!
We chose our wedding coordinator because… Lorraine Cunningham came with Bellinter House! She did an amazing job, and helped us every step of the way. Big thanks goes to her.
Our wedding theme/colours… We started with a champagne and blush theme, but added in some other colours as well. We didn’t really have a theme since Bellinter House is so uniquely decorated. We just bought things that we liked and went from there.
Our menu… was yummy! Starter was the Crispy Duck Confit, the soup was Parsnip and Stilton (because I have a rabbit named Parsnip!), the main was a choice of Beef or Halibut, and our dessert was our devil’s food chocolate wedding cake with buttercream frosting.
My favourite part of the wedding day… was finally getting to hold Kjell’s hands during the ceremony. I’d been so nervous and worried but as soon as I was with him I calmed down and could truly relax and enjoy the whole day.
My piece of advice for other brides… plan ahead, be organised, and enjoy every moment because it goes too fast.
