Padraig and I are both attorneys in the U.S. Army, and met last year while stationed in Germany. I was assigned as Padraig’s sponsor, responsible for getting him settled into his new job and unit. This naturally led to spending a lot of time together, and our friendship as coworkers quickly grew into something much deeper. We had our first date in Nuremberg, Germany touring the Nuremberg Trials courtroom (nothing says romantic like international law and war crime precedents). Padraig grew up all over the world, and I was born and raised in southern California. I enjoy running, podcasts, writing, and cooking, while Padraig loves skiing, working out, reading, and eating whatever I make. While I am a self-described social butterfly, Padraig has a cool and more laid back energy that brings balance to our relationship. We bonded over our common career choices, big families, and shared love of traveling the world. We knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together, but the Army had plans to move me to Washington, D.C., so in true military fashion, Padraig proposed on June 6, 2025 and we were engaged by the time I left! Over the past year, we have spent countless hours flying across oceans, meeting up for long weekends in different countries in between, and waiting for the next time we’d be able to see each other. Germany will always hold a special place for us - it’s where our story began and where we met so many of our amazing friends. Thankfully, Padraig will be moving to Washington, D.C. this summer, where we will begin our new adventure as husband and wife. We are both incredibly excited to celebrate the start of this next chapter with all of our loved ones!