From a Tinder Swipe to Northern Lights Romance đź’«
Sometimes the best love stories begin in the most unexpected places – and for Laura Forde, a 31-year-old nurse from Portadown, and Robin McCullough, an electrical and mechanical coordinator from nearby Waringstown, it all started with a swipe on Tinder in the summer of 2019.
Their first date took place on 28 July 2019 at the Courthouse in Lurgan. What began as a casual meet-up quickly turned into an evening filled with dinner, drinks and a few competitive games of pool. Looking back, Laura laughs at how long the date actually was — though at the time it felt like it flew by. Ever the gentleman, Robin walked her back to the train station to make sure she got home safely, but not before confidently leaning in for a goodnight kiss — which Laura happily reciprocated.
From that moment on, things moved quickly. The pair discovered they shared a love of hiking, good food, wine and travelling — whether exploring Ireland or venturing abroad. When Robin first asked Laura to be his girlfriend, however, she panicked and said no. Realising instantly that she’d made a mistake, she asked him to try again the following week. Thankfully he did — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Their first trip abroad together came just months later with a festive getaway to Munich in December 2019. But like many couples, their travel plans soon paused when the pandemic arrived. At the time they had only been together about six months when Robin casually said during a phone call about lockdown, “Well you’re obviously staying here, right?”
Laura took the leap and moved in with him — despite the fact that her family hadn’t even met him yet. It turned out to be the perfect test for their relationship. Between Laura’s busy schedule as a student nurse on hospital placements and Robin’s work, they quickly found their rhythm together.
A Proposal Under the Northern Lights ✨
Robin chose an unforgettable setting to pop the question. On 19 March 2024, during a trip to Iceland, he drove for five or six hours through what Laura describes as weather resembling an “Arctic tundra” to reach tiny remote cabins in the north of the island, complete with outdoor hot tubs — the perfect spot to chase the Northern Lights.
After a long day of driving, Laura offered to cook dinner in the cabin’s kitchenette, but Robin insisted on taking charge instead. He prepared a lovely meal and opened a bottle of red wine while Laura filled the hot tub outside.
Soon after, the Northern Lights began to dance across the sky. The couple rushed out with their phones to capture the moment. Laura was perched on the edge of the hot tub trying to get the perfect photo when she noticed Robin kneeling beside her. At first she assumed he was just finding a better camera angle — until half a second later when she realised what was actually happening.
Robin was down on one knee asking her to marry him.
There were no photographers or staged moments — just the two of them in the middle of nowhere, wet hair, pyjamas and all. Laura happily said yes.
The beautiful ring came from Lowry’s Jewellers in Banbridge, chosen with a little help from Laura’s older sister who knew exactly what style she loved.
Bringing the Wedding Forward đź’Ť
After more than six years together, the couple tied the knot on 10 October 2025 — earlier than originally planned. Their initial date had been June 2026, but due to some family health concerns they decided to move the wedding forward.
Looking back, Laura says it was one of the best decisions they made. “It’s so lovely knowing we’ve already been husband and wife for five months rather than still waiting for the big day.”
The Perfect Dress (First Time!) đź‘°
Laura’s dress shopping experience was surprisingly simple. She visited My Fair Lady Bridal — a shop she already loved after winning bridesmaids’ dresses there for her sister years before — and ended up finding the dress on her very first visit.
Her sister picked it out and although it wasn’t the style people expected her to choose, Laura instantly knew it was the one. She walked out with the dress that same day.
Her bridal party included her three sisters — Amanda, Hannah and Rebekah — who wore dresses ordered online from JJ’s House, which Laura says were surprisingly high quality.
Robin and his three groomsmen — Andrew “Coggan” Coggan, Dale Nesbitt and Gareth Malcomson — suited up through Collar and Tie in Lisburn.
An Intimate Autumn Wedding 🍂
The couple chose to host their entire day at Montalto Estate, celebrating in the beautiful Carriage Rooms with just 48 guests.
Although there wasn’t a strict theme, the day had a gorgeous autumnal feel, with burnt orange tones reflected in the bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, décor and even the wedding cake — perfectly matching their October date.
The day itself ran perfectly, though there were a few funny moments. Laura’s hairstylist accidentally left before placing her veil, meaning she had to return to fix it — leaving Laura fashionably late to the ceremony. Meanwhile Robin briefly wondered if he’d been jilted!
Later, when it came time to cut the cake, neither bride nor groom actually knew how to do it — and after a few celebratory drinks the resulting photos turned out to be hilarious.
Food, Cocktails and a Celebration to Remember 🍸
Self-confessed food lovers, Laura and Robin put a lot of thought into the menu — and their caterers delivered beyond expectations.
Their bespoke menu was created by Lobster & Lime, led by chef Eva Hourihan, who worked closely with the couple to design the perfect dishes. Guests were still talking about the canapés and wedding dinner long after the day ended.
They also included signature cocktails and a unique entertainment feature: a live wedding illustrator from Sealed by You who sketched guests throughout the reception — a huge hit with everyone attending.
But the true highlight of the day, both Laura and Robin agree, was their ceremony. Their humanist celebrant beautifully told their story, bringing laughter and emotion to the room.
Their first dance was to “The One” by Kodaline — a fitting soundtrack to a love story that started with a swipe and led to forever.
Happily Ever After 🏡
Just weeks before the wedding, the couple moved into what they call their “forever home” — charmingly located only three doors away from where Robin grew up.
Life since the wedding has been wonderfully chaotic. Alongside renovating the house, they added a tiny Chihuahua puppy to their family, joining their two cats.
For now, they’ve already enjoyed a relaxing mini-moon at Wineport Lodge, with a dream honeymoon planned for Vietnam and Dubai later in 2026.
Married life, Laura says, is everything she hoped it would be.
“I just love being able to call him my husband.”
Laura’s Advice for Future Brides 💡
“The day goes by unbelievably fast, so try to take in every moment. Start your ceremony early and have a long drinks reception so you actually get to enjoy it with your guests. Ours lasted two and a half hours and it was one of the best parts of the day.”
And after a love story that spans Tinder swipes, pandemic lockdowns, Northern Lights proposals and a beautiful autumn wedding — Laura and Robin wouldn’t change a single thing.
Wedding Suppliers information
Wedding Dress From: My Fair Lady
Bridesmaids Dresses From: JJ’s House
Groomswear From: Collar And Tie
Make-Up By: Catherine Fleming Make-Up
Hair By: Dani Belle Wedding Hair
Flowers and Room Décor By: Let’s Face It Creations
Engagement Ring By: Lowry Jewellers
Rings From: Murray & Co
Cake By: The Busy Whisk Bakery
Photography By: Ciaran O’Neill Photograhery
Entertainment By:
Step Brother Live Band And DJ
Wedding Harpist: Aisleagh
