We were both attending college at McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We met in the quad and hit it off instantly. We talked for so long that Damian missed a workout.

I left for a family vacation in Ireland soon after we met, and when I returned Damian asked me on our first date. We went for a stroll around a local park in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Damian had commissioned a Claddagh Engagement Ring from the World Renown Claddagh Jewelers in his hometown of Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. Damian and my family did a great job keeping it from me. I was truly surprised.