May Wan, a former model and partnerships manager for Ebb & Flow, found love in the most unexpected of places: online, during the 2020 lockdown. Her journey to finding love again was a heartwarming one, especially as she embraced the possibility of marriage for a second time. “I think because when you’re divorced, you kind of know what you don’t want and want in a partner, and with him, he came with all the ticks. Of course, the best part is that he accepts my daughters. That was a massive green flag for me,” she says.
The decision to wed in Northern Ireland, her Irish sweetheart’s home, was a natural progression for Wan. However, the specific location was a revelation that came during a holiday shortly after their engagement. “We were driving through the Glens of Antrim on a cloudy day, and at some point, the clouds parted, and it was a stunning moment. I was like: ‘That was it. We’re getting married here.’” This decision led to a series of fortunate events, including finding a Singaporean photographer in Northern Ireland who perfectly captured the essence of her wedding day.
The stars continued to align when Wan discovered Drenagh Estate, her dream wedding venue. The bride-to-be, who had grown up in Malaysia and lived in cities like Australia and Singapore, was immediately captivated by the rich history and charm of the estate. Her two daughters, comparing it to the enchanting world of Bridgerton, shared in her excitement.
While the couple exchanged vows outdoors in a humanist ceremony enveloped in the crisp Irish air, the festivities mainly unfolded inside the stunning estate. Wan describes a captivating pink dining room, a library adorned with dark velvet walls and overflowing bookshelves, and a white room featuring a fireplace where guests could socialize over copious amounts of Guinness and champagne. But beyond the estate’s breathtaking grounds, it was the dedicated and attentive service of the staff that made their wedding day a truly relaxed and unforgettable experience. “They take care of everything here from the accommodation to planning. Contrary to most mornings of the wedding, I had the most relaxing day. I had a full breakfast as they had planned for the ceremony to start at 2pm. I did my own make-up. I had a special moment with Jon who wrote handwritten cards for my daughters and I. That’s how the morning of my wedding started and it just set the tone for the rest of the day,” Wan reflects.
Wan cherishes the intimate moments of her wedding day, especially the heartwarming gesture of her eldest daughter placing a tiara on her head right before the ceremony. “The best part was my mother walking me down the first half before my daughters took over and gave me away to Jon. It’s very special, getting married a second time around and having your children present.”
Wan’s wedding album captures the essence of her magical day in Northern Ireland. From her stunning Melinda Looi gown to the emotional hair combing ceremony performed by her mother, each photograph tells a story of love, family, and celebration. The images showcase the breathtaking grounds of Drenagh Estate, the intimate moments between the bride and groom, and the joyous energy of their wedding day. The album stands as a testament to a love story that blossomed amidst the unexpected challenges of a pandemic and culminated in a dream wedding in the heart of Ireland.
