True Love Tuesday Chloe and Aaron McGaughey... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

From One Perfect Match to Forever

For Chloe Madden, a teacher from Belfast, and Aaron McGaughey, a financial consultant from Lurgan, their love story began in the most modern of ways—with an online dating match. In November 2022, the pair connected on a dating site and, just one week later, met for their first date. What began with a simple swipe would ultimately lead them on a journey to becoming husband and wife.

After around three and a half years together, Aaron knew it was time to take the next step. On 28 December 2024, during a trip to the Cliffs of Moher, he found the quietest and most private spot he could overlooking the dramatic coastline. There, with the breathtaking cliffs as their backdrop, Aaron proposed. Chloe was completely surprised, making the already-perfect moment even more special. Her beautiful platinum, single-stone oval diamond ring from Fred J Malcom marked the beginning of their next chapter.

When wedding planning began, Chloe found her dream dress at Vintage Rose Bridal in Randalstown—the very first bridal shop she visited. She ordered her dress that same day, choosing an elegant Enzoani gown with beaded straps and intricate details, finished with a detachable overskirt. Interestingly, it was a style she never expected to choose initially, but the team at Vintage Rose Bridal helped her discover the perfect dress. “The experience was amazing,” Chloe recalls, praising the girls for helping her find her dream gown.

For her four bridesmaids, Chloe chose beautiful dusty-blue chiffon dresses from TH&TH. Her bridal party included maid of honour and sister Sam, chief bridesmaid and sister Naomi, sister-in-law Eva and cousin Nicole. The junior bridesmaid dresses came from Azazie, while the flower girls wore dresses from Next. Aaron and his four groomsmen found their outfits at Ludlow Menswear on the Lisburn Road. His brother Paul took on the role of best man, joined by his brother Christopher and best friends Philip and Michael.

The couple embraced every part of their wedding preparations, particularly the finer details that allowed them to make the day completely their own. One of their favourite parts was exploring Ireland’s incredible wedding venues, turning venue visits into weekends away together. A particularly memorable weekend was their stay at Lough Eske, where Chloe and Aaron enjoyed their food tasting with Chloe’s mum and dad.

Their wedding vision was bright, summery and full of colour, with blue at its heart. Proud of their Irish roots, they wanted to celebrate the many different parts of Ireland represented by their family and friends. GAA county colours became a key feature, with guests receiving county-coloured headbands and the seating plan organised by county. The theme flowed through the bridesmaid dresses, florals and GAA bands, creating a celebration that was both colourful and deeply personal.

On 17 July 2026, Chloe and Aaron said “I do” at St Patrick’s Church in Donegal Town before celebrating with 150 family and friends at the magnificent Lough Eske Castle.

The wedding weekend could not have been more perfect. With sunshine and temperatures in the mid-20s, the couple were delighted they had chosen to make a long weekend of it. Having family and friends together for pre-wedding drinks the evening before made the celebrations even more special.

The wedding morning was equally memorable. Chloe’s mum, who is a hairdresser, did the hair for Chloe and the entire bridal party, keeping everyone calm and relaxed. The couple were also joined by wedding dressing specialists Shauny and Jen, who steamed the dresses and helped everyone get ready. Their calming presence, infectious personalities and support made them a much-loved part of the morning.

Another personal touch came from Chloe and Aaron’s brother-in-law Josh, who created their incredible Ireland-map seating plan through Prop.makes.

The celebrations were filled with thoughtful details, including a sweet cart, his-and-hers cocktails, a 360 photo booth, a traditional photo booth and entertainment from Secreto. One of the biggest surprises of the day was the singing waiters. Only Chloe, Aaron and Chloe’s mum knew what was planned, so when one of the waiters suddenly “fell” before bursting into song, the room was completely caught off guard. It soon had everyone singing and dancing, creating one of the most memorable moments of the reception.

For Chloe, however, one of the most precious moments happened away from the crowds. In the car on the way to Lough Eske, immediately after the ceremony, she and Aaron talked about their mornings and reflected on what had just happened. It suddenly felt surreal—they were husband and wife. As they drove towards the castle and prepared to see all their guests, Chloe remembers feeling completely overwhelmed with happiness.

For Aaron, the drinks reception was a highlight, giving him the chance to speak with everyone before seeing the ballroom come together for the first time. The couple had put so much thought into the interiors, and the beautiful floral displays, particularly around the top table, were everything they had hoped for.

Their first dance was to Ronan Keating’s When You Say Nothing at All, perfectly capturing the romance of the occasion.

Looking back, there is nothing Chloe and Aaron would change. Their wedding was exactly what they wanted: good food, music, drinks and, most importantly, all the family and friends they love together under one roof.

After the celebrations, the newlyweds headed across the Atlantic for an unforgettable honeymoon. Their American adventure began in New York before taking them to Nashville and then Miami, followed by a cruise around the Bahamas. Filled with incredible experiences and new memories, the trip was the perfect start to married life—and they already know they will be returning to Nashville.

Now, as husband and wife, Chloe and Aaron are settling into married life and enjoying the strange feeling of having nothing left to organise after so much wedding planning. More than anything, they are excited for whatever comes next.

Their advice to couples planning their own wedding is simple: enjoy every moment. It may be one of the best days of your life, but it will also be one of the quickest. Prioritise the things that truly matter to you, take in every moment from the second you wake up until the evening comes to an end, and don’t allow the little things to cause unnecessary stress.

Because, as Chloe and Aaron discovered, everything works out in the end. You are getting married because you love your partner—and everything else is simply a beautiful bonus.