Gemma, from Lisburn, and Robert, from Belfast, won a special competition to allow them to tie the knot at the Belfast landmark. The couple, who got engaged on Friday December 13, met six years ago at the University of Ulster but only became ‘an item’ two years ago. To celebrate Robert’s birthday, Gemma arranged a break at the Culloden Hotel and much to her surprise Robert decided the hotel stay was the perfect opportunity to pop the question. “Robert called ahead to the hotel and when we arrived there were rose petals on the bed, classical music playing and champagne,” explained Gemma. “I thought we were in the wrong room. “There was a card on the bed that said ‘will you marry me?’ and when I turned around Robert was on one knee. I was so surprised.” “At first I wanted to just run away to get married,” continued Gemma. “But Robert wanted his family there so we decided we wanted something quirky. “I’m not really very traditional and the Ulster Museum was always my first choice for a venue. “We have always enjoyed our childish days out and the Ulster Museum was somewhere we had been for days out. “It was somewhere we had got to know each other and it seemed like an appropriate venue.” Gemma paid a visit to the recent open wedding weekend at the museum and decided to “chance her arm” by entering the competition. “I was at a wedding fayre at the museum and entered the competition to win the venue for the wedding but didn’t think for a minute I would win. “We are both so excited about it all.” The couple were thrilled when they found out they had won the competition to have their wedding at the Ulster Museum, as well as a champagne reception. “They have a room, the Belfast Room, where they have art displays,” explained Gemma. “That will be where we have the ceremony and then we will have our meal and reception in the actual museum. “As soon as I saw the venue I just fell in love, the whole thing is like a fairy tale,” she added.
