Michelle and Ruairi’s love story begins at two very different points—depending on who you ask. Ruairi remembers meeting Michelle at a volleyball-for-all event, where she was desperately trying to escape playing. Ruairi gallantly stepped in to save her, but Michelle? She remembers none of it. Despite this not-so-epic start, they began spending weekends together, with their friend circles blending. Michelle even took matters into her own hands, secretly persuading Ruairi’s friends to go out—conveniently ending up where Ruairi was. In 2019, a hockey tour took Ruairi away, and soon he found himself messaging Michelle daily. By October 25th, 2019, at October Fest, beer in one hand, Ruairi nervously asked Michelle to be his girlfriend, and they made it official with one great celebration! Then came the ultimate test: COVID-19 lockdown. They thought they knew each other, but surviving puzzles, investigating crime documentaries, arguing about who was doing more chores and being stuck indoors for months was a whole new level. They now knew how to push each other's buttons—with Ruairi appearing to enjoy it far too much, and Michelle using it as an opportunity to practice what she preaches in therapy. Post-lockdown, they grabbed every opportunity to make memories, from rainy camping trips in the North of Namibia to road trips with friends. With each adventure, their bond grew stronger, not only with each other, but also with their friends who have played a vital role in their relationship. Eventually, Ruairi knew it was time to propose. However, if you ask Michelle, he took his sweet time! First, he had to figure out the ring, ask for her parent's blessing, and romantically pop the question. Easy, right? Not quite. The ring took its time, and in true Ruairi fashion, he waited until the last moment to ask for her parents' blessing—thankfully, they said yes (with the help of Sean, Elzanne and Luka). With one yes down, it was time for the last yes needed. Michelle, unaware, thought they were just heading on a family trip to a lodge. Ruairi, meanwhile, tried not to let nerves show while Sean and Elzanne subtly dropped hints. On the drive, they couldn’t help but count their recent blessings, Michelle not realising they were about to add one more. At the lodge, with sunset casting a golden glow, Ruairi got down on one knee. Michelle, caught completely off guard, said yes with tears flowing from her eyes (after rapidly repeating "IS THAT REALLY MY RING?!"). Champagne in hand, ready to celebrate with her family - the perfect proposal in Michelle's opinion! And so, on February 9th, they embarked on the adventure of planning their wedding—the next chapter of their extraordinary love story.

Michelle has learnt the meaning of patience with Ruairi's forgetfulness. Ruairi's calmness has taught Michelle they can always take a moment for each other. Ruairi has learnt he will never have to worry about ordering what he wants off a menu because Michelle will always know. Michelle's kindness has taught Ruairi that sharing doesn't mean you give away but rather gain. Michelle has learnt that making a whole lasagne is probably too much for two people. Ruairi has learnt that there is always an extra place at a dinner table. Ruairi has learnt there are countless ways to apologise for being out longer than expected. Michelle has learnt one beer is not one beer. Ruairi has learnt the value of empathy when being there for Michelle Michelle has learnt Ruairi doesn't get everything right the first time. Together they have learnt they struggle to say no, which means they will always have something to do and somewhere to be. Just as long as they are there together.