We're getting married!

Although Erin and James were first introduced to each other back at the age of 14, the two didn't truly get to know one another until more than 15 years later! Family ties were to blame for their first meeting. James' sister Courtney and his cousin Nicki initiated a lifelong friendship with Erin during middle school. After the three became best friends, Erin and James found themselves at the same places at the same time over and over again, mostly for special celebrations, like birthdays, graduations, and weddings for someone in the Fowler or Fetch-Barnett families. Erin and James were always pleasant and cordial during these gatherings but never became close as Erin focused all of her attention on Courtney and Nicki (just how Courtney and Nicki wanted it). Fast forward to the summer of 2018. Erin and James both attended a Barnett family wedding in Atlanta where the couple got to spend time alone and sparks began to fly. It took yet a few MORE family gatherings until James made a move and ensured that he would have another chance to get to know Erin better. How did he guarantee he would catch her attention again, you ask? The only way a respectful man would - he stole Erin's $200 Ray-Ban sunglasses so he would HAVE to see her again to return them. Skip ahead a few more months. After attending countless Philadelphia sports games together, too many nights of dancing, numerous dinners spent in downtown Philadelphia, and Erin gifting James his own pair of Ray-Bans, the two decided to give it a real go. Rather quickly, the couple realized: 1) that they were idiots for passing up so many opportunities, throughout two decades, of starting this relationship much sooner, and 2) that they couldn't imagine living life without the other, nor did they want to. After a few years of dating, James invited Erin to hike to a waterfall after work on a random Tuesday and told her he planned to conclude the night at an Irish pub in Newtown. With champagne and flutes, and, of course, a ring, hidden in his hiking bag, the two made their way towards the river. Unfortunate timing struck once more as Erin was reluctant about a long hike after not eating anything throughout her work day. So while James took his time collecting his nerve and navigating to the "perfect" location, Erin nonchalantly complained throughout the entire duration and kept inquiring "how much farther?" Food was the only thing, as usual, on her mind. Safe to say, the proposal was a little rushed but James got down on his knees beside the waterfall and asked Erin to be his lifelong partner. Putting hunger aside, Erin and James shared the news with family, and their night continued to the pub for a large dinner (thank goodness) and drinks to celebrate. The Irish pub where they sat that night absorbing all of the excitement seemed to set the mood, as a year later Erin and James decided to ask their Irish American families and close friends to join them in Dublin to celebrate the rest of their lives together.