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The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Thomas and Joanna met in London back in 2014 when working in the Savoy Theatre. Thomas was passing through in the middle of a midlife crisis, and Joanna was hard at work minding her own business, little did we know then but the show we were working on would influence the wedding venue we would get married at 8 years later. After a what could be described as a summer fling, and Thomas moving away to work somewhere else, we kept in touch and spent the best part of 5 years long distance before settling in Northern Ireland, so it was a good while before the proposal (in Joanna's opinion) but after a lovely snowy walk in Hillsborough Forest Park, Thomas had the ring in his pocket, bearing in mind at this point he had chickened out of asking the parents for permission. Turns out he would also chicken out on asking Joanna to marry him on the walk too, so he asked her later on that evening in bed, before the clock struck midnight, so he didn't have to ask Joanna on her birthday. 

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

Karen the celebrant was our celebrant for a humanist ceremony on site at The Rabbit. Karen gave us the most wonderful personal experience and shared our story to family and friends before a hand fastening where we literally tied the knot. A fun highlight was when the best man left the vows in the car and had to make a dash to the car park. 

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We saw The Loft as it was just starting to be a venue for weddings. We were shown around by Jemma and the venue was beautiful. From the moment we entered the doors we could feel it was a place we wanted our special day, but what sealed the deal was when we saw a painting of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it was the show we met on when working in the Savoy Theatre, we took that as a sign this was the venue for us. 

Favourite memory of your Wedding 

To pick a favourite moment from the wedding is a difficult choice and I'm sure it'll be diferent for the both of us. For Thomas, it was the food and getting a bloody good ripping into by the best man with his speech, oh and obviously getting to marry Joanna. For Joanna, apart from finally getting to marry Tom, was having all our friends and family together after covid and the moment we entered the reception room as a married couple, feeling all the love and joy throughout the whole room and feeling like a bit of a celeb. 

Shout Out To The Dream Team 

Cake

Hands Bakery

Flowers

Sage & Meadow

Entertainment

The Reilly's - Drinks Reception

Dave Martin & the Casino Cats - Evening Entertainment

Photographer

Lifting The Veil

Videography

Wheatfield Films

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Jill Jones Bridal - Wedding Dress

Silk Purse Sow's Ear - Accessories

Bridesmaids Dresses

Online

Groomswear

The Belfast Bow Company

Vintage Suit Hire Company

The Glam Squad

Makeup

Tara Doran

Hair

Hair Matters NI

Enjoy a private duo clay ritual as part of your accommodation experience 

1. What is a clay ritual?

Available as part of your accommodation experience at The Rabbit, a clay ritual is a fun, interactive spa experience designed to energise, hydrate & detoxify the body and mind. There is no therapist required for this detoxifying treatment, making it the perfect spa experience for the first-time spa-goer. Beginning with an application of mineral rich clay, cover the body from tip to toe before the room fills with steam allowing the clay to absorb and draw out impurities. Shower off the clay to reveal skin that’s positively cleansed, hydrated, and super soft. Enjoy a duo clay ritual with your significant other or have some fun with a friend whilst soaking up the beautiful views across the lake.

2. What are the benefits of clay rituals?

The clay is very rich in minerals and has an abundance of nutrients that will draws out all impurities from the skin. The clay and steam together will help cleanse and hydrate the skin, leaving it super soft! Circulation is also improved with this treatment, as the heat and steam encourage blood flow around the body. As well as treating the skin, the clay ritual experience will also relax the mind and reduce stress. Get ready to slide into calm, you deserve the break.

3. Is the clay ritual suitable for all skin types?

Yes absolutely. The clay ritual is suitable for all skin types.

4. How long would you recommend keeping the clay on before rinsing?

You will apply the smooth, warm clay, which deeply absorbs into your skin. As the room begins to fill with steam your pores open, allowing the clay to naturally absorb and draw out impurities leaving your skin feeling smoother and nourished. Don’t worry about making a mess, have fun applying the clay before allowing the steam to activate its nourishing properties. We recommend leaving the clay on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

5. Can you use The Spa after having a clay ritual?

Of course! We encourage you to take some time to enjoy our facilities in The Spa after your clay ritual treatment. From the Roman bath, heated pebble beach, hot tubs, salt cave, steam room, sauna, and if you’re brave enough, the cold-water bucket, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.