- Caitlin - As much as we try to close the yearbook, a tiny part of it must stay open as that is where our story begins. Beckman Catholic, freshman year, 6th period, global studies. I did not realize the kid next to me knew how to talk, but turns out he would do anything for a few answers (Nate now holds a higher degree and much higher profession than I do, oh how the tables have turned). A few weeks later he returned from Mexico, and I was now the one talking to him, how could I resist his tan? Fast forward to that summer when we bonded over our softball and baseball games and then eventually timid Nate worked up the courage to ask me to be his girlfriend. Here we are nearly nine years later, still slightly sheepish (perhaps his reasoning for proposing in Ireland?), Nate asked me to spend forever with him as his wife. The past nine years have been nothing short of beautiful, but we owe it to our faith and resilience. Nursing school, multiple Saint Patrick's Day parties, countless FaceTimes/four months of not seeing each other while Nate interned in Dallas, a Master’s Degree in Accounting, 4 CPA exams (what a wild ride), a move to Dallas, a trip to Ireland, and now planning a wedding 13 hours apart. What an incredible relationship it has been thus far, but I cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes us. I could not ask for a more humble, intelligent, honest, and faith-filled man. Nathan Joseph–I cannot wait to call you my husband. - Nate - During the Spring Semester of my freshman year in high school, there was this girl that could not only help me with my homework, but also had the most contagious laugh I have ever heard. As time went on, I had to get to know her better. Opportunities emerged during our freshman year summer as we found ourselves at many, including our own brother’s, graduation parties. Trying to impress her, I asked her to be my bags partner at all of these graduation parties. While my bags skills far from impressed her, the time spent with her was enough to convince her to date me. From there, we spent our high school and college years together and learned a lot of life lessons along the way together. Caitlin decided to be an overachiever and finish college in three and a half years. I went the torturous route and took five years to obtain my Master's degree and pass my CPA exams. For me, this time apart showed how much I needed her in my life for something as simple as a hug after a hard day, and something as complex as getting the best deals at the grocery store. After finally making it through my college years, we planned a trip to Ireland where I knew I had to ask this Irish-Loving girl to marry me. After not learning my lesson the first time, I again departed from Caitlin and decided to pursue an opportunity in the great state of Texas. While this distance is hard, it has made my heart grow fonder and expressed to me how I cannot wait to finally marry that girl with the contagious laugh whom I have come to love so dearly.

If you know Caitlin in the slightest way, you know her love for all things Irish and of course the University of Notre Dame. Nate and Caitlin planned to take a trip after Nate graduated from college and there was no better place than Ireland and no better excuse than a Notre Dame football game. Caitlin had booked a photographer a few months prior to do a quick 30 minute session because how do you go to Ireland and not capture the beautiful scenery? It was their second morning there, they were still extremely jet lagged, it had stormed the night before, and the wind was outrageous. Never in a million years did Caitlin expect Nate to propose during these photos because if you know anything about Nate, you know he hates nothing more than attention. Well, the rest is history. Howth, Ireland–you will forever hold the most special place in our heart.