When love is paired with a stunning setting, unforgettable memories are created. Giovanni asked Leaonie to marry him at Ballintoy Harbour, one of the most picturesque locations along the Causeway Coast. Their story is more than just a proposal. It is a journey across borders, cultures, and the breathtaking landscape of our epic North Coast.

Giovanni, from the Netherlands, never expected his life to change during an ordinary day in Amsterdam. Leaonie, was visiting the famous city when their paths crossed. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into something deeper. Maintaining a relationship across countries takes effort. Yet for Giovanni and Leaonie, love became the bridge. They spent time living together in the Netherlands, but have now returned to Northern Ireland to begin life together here.

Giovanni put so much effort and thought into ensuring the best possible date and location for his wedding proposal to Leaonie. He had initially planned to propose before the day, and their trip to Ballintoy Harbour would have been a surprise engagement photo session. Fate, however, conspired against him, and it simply wasn’t meant to be at that moment. As a result, we found ourselves there not only to capture some beautiful moments shared between them, but also to document the proposal itself. We were already excited for their engagement photos and were more than happy to help when Giovanni contact us to let us know that plans had changed. While in an ideal world we would have suggested Golden Hour for the time of the session, the weather on the day would not allow for that, so Giovanni went for the morning time instead. The date itself was also important to them, being their anniversary.

Giovanni brought Leaonie to Ballintoy Harbour on the pretence of a day out to celebrate their anniversary and with a couples photo session as his gift to her. Leaonie admitted afterwards that she had an inkling that something was going on, but was still genuinely surprised when Giovanni dropped to one knee. Leaonie, surprised and overwhelmed, felt the significance of the moment. She said yes with tears of joy, sealing their love against the backdrop of waves and cliffs.

The Beauty of Ballintoy Harbour

Why It’s Perfect for a Proposal

Ballintoy Harbour is often called one of Northern Ireland’s most romantic spots. Tucked away along the Causeway Coast, it combines rugged cliffs with quiet seclusion.

For couples, it offers more than scenery. The sound of waves against rocks and the feel of the cold northern winds on your face make for a location that you just won’t find anywhere else. This is why couples come from all around the world to visit our North coast. There is no where else that sums up our beautiful Causeway Coast so profoundly as Ballintoy Harbour. Ballintoy Harbour as we have mentioned here many times is our favourite place. We have been visiting here regularly for over 20 years and have so many great memories from days out with our kids to the many couples we have documented here for engagement sessions and elopements. We love being able to share both the place and our knowledge of it with our couples.

Giovanni carefully chose this particular setting because it beautifully reflected the core values of their relationship, strength, profound depth, and a lasting sense of belonging to each other.

A Hidden Gem on the Causeway Coast

While tourists often flock to the Giant’s Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour remains more intimate. Its charm lies in its simplicity. Small boats, stone piers, and dramatic backdrops make it perfect for private moments.

The harbour has also been featured in film and television most notably as a film location for Game of Thrones, but for Giovanni and Leaonie, it became the stage for their own story. On that September morning, the harbour was quiet, with only the sea and sky bearing witness.

Why Choose the Causeway Coast
for Your Wedding Proposal?

Scenic Locations Beyond Ballintoy

The Causeway Coast offers endless romantic locations. From the dramatic Dunseverick Castle ruins to the beautiful small towns along the coastal route, couples have countless choices. Each place offers its own character, wild cliffs, historic charm, or secluded beaches.

For those who value privacy, smaller coves and harbours provide intimate settings. Ballintoy is just one gem in a necklace of coastal treasures.

Tips for a Memorable Wedding Proposal in Northern Ireland

Visit at an hour before sunset (Golden Hour) for the best light.
Choose a weekday to avoid crowds.
Bring a photographer to discreetly to capture the moment.
Plan around the tides for safety and comfort.

With a simple word, Giovanni and Leaonie stepped into a new chapter. Their story shows that love knows no distance, and that the right place can make a proposal unforgettable. The Causeway Coast is more than a destination. It is a backdrop where love stories like theirs are written into the landscape.

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Tommy and Laurene, Pure Photo N.I.