The first encounter for me occurred at a Catholic open mic in July 2017. Joe sang a rather swoon-worthy performance of the classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and my heart stirred. I can still recall his deep baritone voice beginning the song, “Wise men say…” I left that night not knowing his name but I remembered the way I felt as he sang, and the bearded face that went along with the memorable voice. I went on with my life—or so I thought. God planted a seed in my heart that night. Over a year later, in November 2018, my new friend Emma invited me to a brunch at her apartment. That morning I found myself in a mood and didn’t feel like going. I did go, and to my surprise the guy with the good voice was there! Upon seeing Joe I felt the need to stay away from him. “What if my friendly personality leads him on?” I thought. At the time I wasn’t open to dating because I thought God might be calling me to religious life. Rather than spark up conversation that could be misinterpreted, I withheld the compliment about his singing. When I heard him share about a date that night, I thought to myself “Perfect, he has a date—I’m safe!” I made my way over to him before he left, telling him he had a great voice. We spoke briefly, and again, I went on with my life. Fast forward a month. Emma invited me to a Lone Bellow concert with her and her friends. (Joe included). YES! I loved this band, I had an opportunity to build my friendship with Emma and my twin sister Megan was around to join! A lot had happened in the previous month, and I temporarily let go of the religious life question, open to whatever God had in store. The timing was perfect. After an amazing day and night, and much intrigue about Joe, I remember talking to Meg at the concert saying “I feel like if this guy were to ask me out, I’d say yes!” Unbeknownst to me, Joe actually asked Emma to ask me to the concert—wise and sneaky! He asked alright: The very next day! The rest is history!

It all started with an invitation to brunch at my old apartment from my friend Emma (now Sister Clara Marie) in November of 2018. I accepted reluctantly; I wasn’t feeling particularly social that morning as I was in the process of exiting community life and moving out of Philadelphia. However, the sweet promise of free food and good company was too enticing to pass up. (God has often used these opportunities to do His best work with me). I’ve also met plenty of nice young women at these gatherings, but I had a date that night and didn’t want to get distracted. Walking into the apartment, I was quickly distracted by a beautiful woman with dark, curly hair and soft eyes whose name I soon learned was Kyra. "Wonderful. Ok, Joe. Keep it together. Don’t engage.” I soon found myself next to Kyra on the sofa. She shared with others about her day and her spiritual life; I came away very intrigued. I tried to engage in conversation while still telling myself I was totally focused on my date that night. For some strange reason, Kyra wasn’t having it. In fact, I don’t think she even made eye contact with me. As I got up to leave, Kyra, out of the blue, stopped me and said, "I wanted to tell you...I saw you sing at an open mic and you have a great voice!" After attempting to deflect in a move of total false humility, I accepted her compliment and saw myself out. I excitedly wanted to text my buddies about this gorgeous woman and our encounter, but instead I kept it cool and moved on with my day. I had a date that night, after all… If you were wondering about the date that night…it didn’t go well. Which, after meeting Kyra, I was totally fine with. It took me less than 10 hours to pivot and send a Facebook request; a few weeks to invite her (through Emma) to a Lone Bellow concert with mutual friends; and a day after the concert to ask her out in person at a Catholic New Year’s Party. I'm a lucky guy!