Wedding bells for couple who matched on dating app during Cork conference 

When Nancy Howard attended a psychology conference in Cork in 2020 and opened her dating app, she may not have expected to stumble upon the profile of the man she would marry, but that is just what happened.

Nancy grew up in Detroit in Michigan. It was when she was studying psychology at the National College of Ireland that she decided to venture to Cork for a conference at UCC.

“I happened to open up my dating app during a part of the conference I wasn’t very interested in, and Paul’s face was the first guy I saw,” said Nancy.

Paul Burns, from Mayfield, and Nancy had hoped to meet on St Patrick’s Day, but their plans changed due to the pandemic.

“We met in Cork for the first time in July of 2020 once the travel restrictions were lifted. And the rest is history. I took advantage of my degree being fully online and moved to Cork,” said Nancy.

Paul proposed to Nancy on her 43rd birthday and the couple were joined by their close friends and family last month when they were wed at St Peter’s in Cork city.

The couple’s photographer captured pictures of their wedding right across the city, and even got a snap of them pulling pints. 

Before the wedding even began, Nancy had a surprise in store for Paul.

He is a fan of Land Rover Defenders, and Nancy organised a surprise collection for the groom by a convoy of ten classic Land Rover Defender vehicles.

“Steven O’Donovan, of Classic Land Rover Service Centre, Carrigaline, along with Land Rover Enthusiasts of Cork made that happen!” said Nancy. “We cannot thank these wonderful people enough, as well as Michael and Aoife from Orange Works Automotive who provided me and my bridal party with two gorgeous Ineos Grenadiers to take us to and from the ceremony. This special transportation really added to the fun of the day and we cannot thank everyone enough!”

Nancy with her mum Carla who flew in from Detroit for the occasion. 

The ceremony was officiated by celebrant Carol Cotter of Spiritual Ceremonies, and “was everything Paul and I wanted,” said Nancy.

Aine O’Halloran played a beautiful version of The Cranberries’ Dreams on violin as Nancy walked down the aisle, accompanied by her Irish uncle Sean ‘Ted’ Dermody.

Best men were Keith Burns and Roy Burns while man and maid of honour were John Sych and Jessica Reinhardt respectively.

“We had friends from not only Michigan, but also Maine, Maryland, Dubai, and Germany in attendance, which was very meaningful to us, that they travelled so far to be in Ireland to support us on our big day!”

Nancy and Paul with the man and maid of honour; John Sych of Traverse City, Michigan and Jessica Reinhardt of Frankfurt, Germany. 

The bride wore a stunning green gown.

Hair was by Your Hair Artist Linda (Linda Neary) and make-up by Cara Hogan Make-up. “These ladies were an absolute dream and kept me super-relaxed throughout the day,” said Nancy.

Nancy and Paul with Paul’s parents Marion and Tom Burns. 

The groom’s suit was from Morleys, and flowers were by Petals Floral Design.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at The Address.

Paul, an avid baker, made the wedding cake himself.

Nancy and Paul first met in 2020 and were wed last month in Cork. 

Music at the reception was by The Old Moderns Band, with the couple enjoying their first dance to Coldplay’s All My Love.

Photos were by Sean Clarke Photography. “There is not enough praise in the world for him! He did a fabulous job capturing all our special moments and was so relaxed and easy to work with,” the couple said.

“Our wedding was everything we wanted – a fun and relaxing atmosphere shared with those we love most,” Nancy and Paul said.

“We hope our wedding story reminds you that love has no timeline – it finds you when it’s meant to.

Paul and Nancy were wed at St Peter’s in Cork city. 

“And the best weddings aren’t about perfection, but about being authentically yourselves, surrounded by your favourite people in the places closest to your heart.”