A match made on Tinder; Tracey talks of her engagement to new fiancé Patrick in our latest #lockdownlovestory...
Firstly, we must ask, how did you and your new fiancé meet?
“Patrick and I met through the very modern way of Tinder! I had always been a little unsure about dating apps but two of my very good friends convinced me to give it a try and within about two weeks Patrick had asked me out on a date! We went out for dinner to the Flagstaff Lodge in Newry. The first thing I noticed about Patrick was his kind smile and we had so much in common, the conversation just flowed! I will always remember it as the day I met my best friend!”
We’re all dying to know; how did Patrick propose?
“We were on holidays in Co. Kerry in August 2020. Kerry is a very special place for both of us as Patrick had many a family holiday in Killarney and I had travelled along the wild Atlantic way after finishing University.
“We were doing Slea Head drive in Dingle and had stopped at Dunquin Pier. In typical Irish holiday style, it was raining very heavily, so we waited in the car for the rain to stop. We walked to the bottom of the pier, I was standing looking out at the Atlantic Ocean and when I turned round Patrick was down on one knee! It took me by complete surprise and I was not expecting it all! It will forever be my best memory and my favourite place on earth!”
Tell us about your ring...
“My ring is a three-stone diamond ring with a gold band. The stones are oval in shape with a larger diamond in the middle and two smaller diamonds on either side. Patrick chose the ring himself with the help of Gemma from Jack Murphy Jewellers and I could not have done a better job. I couldn’t believe that when I put it on, it was the perfect fit!
“I have always loved Jack Murphy Jewellers as it has always been my go-to jewellers, and to have my engagement ring from there is very special. I absolutely adore my ring and its sparkle constantly catches my eye!”
How are you finding wedding planning during Covid?
“I have tried to be quite organised with wedding planning as I know due to the pandemic many couples have had to unfortunately change the date of their wedding so suppliers are in high demand.
“We have set our date for May 2022 in the Slieve Russell Hotel and I am so excited. For us, family is very important and we want it to be a day of celebration for all our family and friends. We want our whole family to be involved in the wedding! Our bridal party is made up of my twin sister as Maid of Honour, Patrick’s brother as Best Man and his three nieces and five nephews acting as Bridesmaids, Flower Girls, Ushers and a Paige Boy.
“I think that we are living in such uncertain times at the moment and the wedding is definitely something that we can all look forward to and enjoy with our family. We are hoping that it will be a time when we can all dance the night away.”