Wedding bells for couple who matched on Tinder  

Dave O’Farrell first spotted Rachel Harrington, the woman who would become his wife, on a night out in Reardens in Cork city.

He didn’t approach her that night. But, as fate would have it, the couple later matched on Tinder.

“We then went on our first date, and that was it from there,” said Rachel.

Dave, from Ballyporeen in Tipperary, and Rachel, from Killeens, now live in Whitechurch with the ‘light of their lives’, their three-year-old daughter, Mollie.

The couple got engaged back in May, 2022.

“We went to Killarney with our little girl for a night away and while we were there, we took a visit to Muckross Traditional Farms,” recalled Rachel.

“When we were walking down by the school, Dave told me to stand there with Mollie, and he would take our picture. It was there he popped the question with our daughter in my arms and the mountains behind me. It was beautiful, just the three of us.”

The couple were married on May 30 this year at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Blarney. “We were very lucky to have all our close family and friends with us on that day. The atmosphere was amazing all day long. We cannot thank them enough,” said Rachel.

“Of course, there were a few that are no longer with us; Dave’s dad, Dave, and my grandfather Tom."

Their bridal party was “filled with people that we adore”, the bride added.

“Our flower girls were our daughter Mollie and my goddaughter Lily.

“My chief bridesmaid was Michelle Brown, Lily’s mom and Mollie’s godmother. Myself and Michelle are life-long friends.

“My bridesmaid was my cousin Jennifer Fitzgerald. Jennifer is more than a cousin. She’s my friend. When we are all together, it’s just great fun.

“Our page boys were two special little dudes. Dave’s nephew Cillian, who was only a few months old, and his childhood friend’s son Jaymie.

“His best man was his hurling buddy, Paul Kearney, and his childhood friend Jamie Brophy. “

The bride’s gown was from Cinderella’s Closet in Cork.

Make-up was by AJ White and hair was by Julie Bannon, both based on Blarney Street in The Wonderlab.

The wedding suits were from Mister Mister in Cahir in Tipperary.

One of the highlights for the day for the couple was walking out of the Mass to I Can’t Help Falling In Love - which featured in The Snapper, one of the first films they watched together.

After the ceremony, the couple stopped off at the grounds of Blarney Castle for photos before joining their guests at the Talbot Hotel in Ballincollig for their reception.

They made their entrance to the theme song of Only Fools And Horses in honour of their grandfathers.

“When we arrived, our reception was full of laughter and music with the help of James O’Sullivan,” the couple said.

Anthony Mehigan performed during the meal. “He had everyone up dancing before the starters even came out. He was brilliant.”

Later that evening, The Stars Band had the venue “rocking”.

The couple’s first dance was to Take My Hand by Picture This.

Rachel and Dave said they were grateful to the many people who came together to make their day so special, including Tanusha at the Talbot Hotel, Ballincollig, their “fantastic photographer” John Sexton, Julie Bannon, AJ White, and florist @florist4u_tracey.

“We would like to thank our family and friends for helping us celebrate our day. We are so lucky with you all.”