We're getting married!

Michael and Kelly are both project managers, so they’re no stranger to delayed meetings, but if the work is completed within a timely manner, that's all that matters in the end. Let me explain: Meeting 1: At the time, all Kelly knew about Michael was that he was the one who should be held accountable for yelling “Hey you guys!” from The Goonies at 2am outside her window in 2007 at the University of Albany, freshman year. Meeting 2: Michael and Kelly’s schedule soon aligned again when Michael sat behind Kelly in a management class senior year of college. Michael was often found sleeping, but always caught Kelly’s eye. To be fair, it was an 8am class and he still managed to become the class clown. Meeting 3: After graduation in April of 2013, Kelly and Michael found their paths crossed yet again at Blue Point Brewery, this time (with Michael’s eyes open) they caught each other’s attention, but both were a bit too shy to say hello. Meeting 4: Kelly and Michael "officially" met on June 22, 2013, at Emily’s graduation party. It was one of those, I know you, you know me, but we don’t really know each other kind of introductions. Later that night, Michael spotted Kelly pouring a bit of whiskey into her coffee and their friendship took off from there. It took many almost meetings, and mutual interests, but Kelly and Michael knew they were meant to be in each other’s lives. Many years later, Michael and Kelly are still both avid lovers of whiskey, breweries and most importantly one another.

As you all may or may not know, the proposal was a huge surprise for not only Kelly, but for everyone else as well. Michael's original plan to propose on vacation was completely halted when the week before Christmas, the Fitzgerald family accepted an invitation from the Oddo's to join them for family Christmas dinner. Michael knew in his heart that the moment they said yes, that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that he couldn't pass up. Nearly every member of Michael's family, and the Fitzgerald/Bell family was there. When it came time to take family pictures by the tree, Michael bent down to "tie his shoe" and came up on one knee holding out a ring. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, and they were both completely overjoyed to get to share that moment with their families together. The next time they'll all be together again will be for a great celebration on April 26th! See you in Great River!