Our wedding story: Settling in Ireland was right decision after transatlantic romance

Daryl, a marine scientist from Dublin, first connected with philosopher Ray, from New Jersey, on social-networking website myspace.com in 2005.

They stayed in contact until 2008 when they finally met in person in New York, while Daryl was on a J1 visa.

By 2012, they wanted to end the "long-distance" nature of their relationship, but visa issues prevented Daryl from moving to the US. So they decided to settle in Ireland, which was, they say, "heartwarmingly welcoming".

Ray proposed over dinner on September 28th, 2013.

“I told him to look for a place mat for dessert in the drawer behind. Inside was the black box with a note saying: ‘Daryl, I love you so much. Will you marry me?’”

Anticipating a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum, and allowing for enactment of the Marriage Act 2015, the couple set November 21st as their wedding date.

“We understand that there are many happy couples in civil partnerships, but we wanted a marriage with all its rights and recognised dignities.”

And that’s what they got in a ceremony officiated by registrar Norma McElligott at Ballinacurra House, Kinsale. It was Ireland’s first humanist same-sex wedding ceremony.

The grooms walked down the aisle to a piece Ray arranged for strings called Glass Vase Cello Case, by Tattle Tale. Both men wore suits from Tom Murphy's in Cork city and each was accompanied by a best man and and groomsmaid.

Among the 70 guests were their parents, Derek and Breda Gunning and Raymond Davidson and Loretta Freda.

Following the Prosecco reception and a four-course meal, The Papa Zitas performed into the night and the newlyweds' first dance was to Sing to Me, by Walter Martin.

The PhD students live in Cork city and “would especially like to thank the people of Ireland – without their sense of justice and equality, we would never have been able to do this”.

Photographer: Deryck Tormey