we're getting married!

Colleen and Katie MacLellan, Dennis' cousin, ran across the country from San Francisco to Baltimore in support of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Over the course of the summer, Katie continuously suggested that Colleen go on a date with her newly single cousin Dennis once they returned home. Colleen laughed and brushed it off until Katie and Colleen reunited for a New Years Celebration. After a few drinks and some pushing from Katie, Colleen finally agreed to go on a date with Dennis the following week. Dennis planned a blind date for them to get dinner and drinks in Boston. Colleen spent the afternoon in Charlestown at her sister Caroline's apartment. Dennis took the train into Boston and was nervously calling his friend Victoria for advice. ____________________________________________________________ We instantly connected while sharing details about the things that are most important to us: family. Both being the youngest of four children, we shared a lot of similar stories and experiences from our childhoods. After dinner, we strolled through the common and went to our now favorite "end of the night" bar; The Merchant (shout out to Mike for the drinks!). We continued to see each other a few times over Winter Break. Colleen made her way back to Virginia to finish up her last semester of Nursing school. Dennis made the eight hour drive down (the first of many!) to attend a semi-formal dance as Colleen's date and make their relationship "official!"

Dennis had been planning the perfect day since May. After working a night shift, Colleen was told that they were going to celebrate their friend Mark's birthday. Before heading to meet up with everybody, Dennis suggested a pre-party drink at Maggiano's where they had their first date. As he typically does, Dennis suggested a walk through the Boston Common while heading to the party. Colleen was shocked when Dennis got down on one knee and proposed halfway through their walk. The surprise continued when they went to The Merchant and were greeted by their closest family and friends.