By Siobhan Greenfield

Love has blossemed at North West Regional College for students, Joshua Kingh and Shayna Rodgers who have celebrated their wedding following a whirlwind romance.

Journalism student, Josh from Strabane and Fine Art student, Shayna were joined by close family when they officially became husband and wife at a ceremony at Derry’s Guildhall on October 15.

The couple met at Derry’s St Patrick’s Day Carnival, themed ‘Out of the Darkness into the Light’, and returned to the Guildhall to celebrate their wedding.

The pair created their own traditions and Josh popped the question in an over-the-phone proposal. Josh said their wedding day was “very us, just going for it”. The groom wore a smart pinstripe suit, while Shayna looked beautiful in her spectacular wedding dress.

Following an intimate ceremony at Derry’s Guildhall registry office, the newlyweds headed to St Columb’s Park for photographs before celebrating with loved ones and family over dinner at The Exchange in Derry. The celebrations are set to continue into the city’s Hallowe’en spooky season, with a party in Josh’s hometown of Strabane, followed by a honeymoon weekend in Belfast.

And marriage is just the beginning for the couple, who plan to make Derry their home as they embark on what Joshua described as their “next chapter” together.

Between house hunting and part-time jobs, both are pursuing their creative ambitions at NWRC. Josh is completing his National Council for the Training of Journalists professional qualification in journalism while Shayna is studying for a HND in fine art.

From a chance meeting at Derry’s St Patrick’s Day Carnival to becoming Mr and Mrs, the newly-weds’ story has come full circle in the Walled City.