We are getting married!

Joe and Michelle actually met at orientation, side by side in the line up because of our shared last name. We gradually became friends as our friend groups overlapped. Michelle brought him to Freshman Sadie's, Joe brought her to Junior Year Spring Formal - we were good friends! Then it's Senior Year, Spring Semester, and things start to change! Joe starts visiting Michelle at her receptionist desk at Christendom frequently, and finally asks her out. :) Things go slowly initially as they get to know each other better, and Joe is very patient as Michelle makes up her mind. Jump to March 24th, 2023 and they start officially dating! Just in time to be sitting side by side at graduation in May :) We date for the rest of 2023, but decide to break up to grow on our own for a time. This time was fruitful for both of us as we navigated post-graduation life and many other life changes. After a few months, we both felt called to come back together again. Meanwhile, Michelle's visa to stay in the US is denied, which switches up our plans! Nonetheless, we decide on April 25th, 2024 to date long distance as Michelle prepared to return to Ireland. During this year, Joe travelled three times to Ireland to visit Michelle, as she was unable to return to the States for a time after her visa denial. This gave Michelle the opportunity to show Joe around Ireland and for Joe to get to know her family better. In his November trip, Joe asked Michelle to marry him in the Dominican Church in Galway City, November 8th 2024. The Christmas Market had just opened that day in the city, so it is a sweet memory for us. :) Our plans for the future are very uncertain, but we are taking it step by step in faith! God has been very good to us, and we know He has a great plan for us and our family. For the moment, the plan is for Joe to move to Ireland in August and find a job and housing. We will return to the US in October to celebrate our Sacramental Wedding with our friends and loved ones! After that, we will return to Ireland, giving Michelle the chance to continue working for her charity and for Joe to find work while we wait for her spousal visa for the US to come through. God definitely has a sense of humor - Michelle comes all the way to the US from Ireland, only to fall in love with another Kelly! Needless to say, she will be keeping her name :) We appreciate your prayers and support during this time!