It all began in the summer of 2019, when Virgin Voyages announced their global recruitment tour. Both of us were ready for a new adventure, but little did we know that walking into those recruitment sessions—Laras in Bali and Conor in Manchester—would set the stage for a love story that would span continents.

Six months later on January 25th 2020, on a cold, wet Italian winter evening, we met for the first time. The setting wasn’t exactly romantic: a rusting old ferry docked in the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy. But even in this unassuming place, sparks flew. Laras broke the ice with an unforgettable line: “Would you like to try my strawberry milkshake?” Conor, understandably confused, searched for a milkshake that didn’t exist, only to discover she was offering him her vape. It was an odd start, but it worked. From that moment on, we became inseparable.

Three weeks later, we left the shipyard behind and began our voyage to the USA aboard Scarlet Lady for her grand launch. Laras had a knack for “accidentally” finding reasons to help Conor, even though her bar was nowhere near his station. We spent more and more time together, and our connection grew stronger. But just as our story was beginning, the world had other plans.

Halfway across the Atlantic, Covid-19 upended everything. Our launch plans for New York were scrapped, and the ship was redirected to Miami. From there, we sailed to Bimini in the Bahamas, where we shared a perfect day of sunshine and a beach party—though Conor’s Irish skin wasn’t quite up to the Bahamian sun! Laras stepped in, whisking him back to the ship to take care of him, a moment that showed her warm and caring nature.

But soon after, reality set in. The pandemic forced Scarlet Lady’s launch to be postponed, and the crew was sent home. Laras left in the first wave of departures in March 2020, leaving a heartbroken Conor onboard. Though we stayed in touch through calls and messages, the distance and uncertainty eventually pulled us apart in mid-2020.

2021 brought hope and a brighter horizon. In May, the news we had been waiting for finally came: it was time to return to Scarlet Lady for a second attempt at her launch. This time, the ship was back in Genoa—though now in a more picturesque setting at the port. Conor rejoined first, and a few weeks later, Laras arrived. Conor watched from a window as Laras walked back into his life, though it would be two long weeks of quarantine before we saw each other face to face.

Those two weeks were filled with amusing moments—Conor delivering cigarettes and drinks to Laras’ cabin but running away before she could open the door, or Laras dashing inside whenever she saw Conor walking below her balcony. When we were finally reunited, it didn’t take long for us to become inseparable once again. By September 2021, after months of spending every free moment together, we officially recognized what we already knew: we were in love.

October 2021 brought another difficult goodbye as we returned to our separate homes. This began our biggest test yet: maintaining a long-distance relationship. But we made it work, and in January 2022, we were reunited—this time stronger than ever. We moved in together and spent the next chapter of our lives traveling the world by ship, plane, train, car, and even bus. From incredible vacations in Bali and Ireland to embracing each other’s cultures and families, our bond only deepened.

2024 brought with it the most exciting chapter yet. On June 24th, in the enchanting Castle Leslie, Conor proposed—a date that will later become the anniversary of our wedding along with our engagement.

The journey to that moment wasn’t without its challenges (or humor). In April 2024, after Laras’ not-so-subtle hints (points to ring finger: “empty”), Conor set out to buy an engagement ring. This simple task became a logistical mission while living on a ship. Between sneaking off during Laras’ naps to dash through Miami traffic and hiding the ring in his office for three months, the plan nearly unraveled several times—once due to a misplaced receipt and another time under the scrutiny of a curious Dublin Airport customs officer.

The big moment came at Castle Leslie. During a magical three-week trip around Ireland, Conor waited for the perfect time to propose. The chosen spot was a jetty overlooking the serene Glaslough Lake. A dash to fetch the ring mid-drinks reception, a very conspicuous bulge in loose pants, and a long exploration of the castle (complete with endless photos) almost gave the game away. But finally, at the end of the jetty, with Laras’ back turned, Conor dropped to one knee and asked her to be his wife. Amid tears and a flurry of excited “I do’s” (to which Conor gently reminded her, “That’s for the wedding day”), she said yes.

On June 24th, 2026, we invite you to join us at Castle Leslie to celebrate our love and experience the magic of that day with us.