[Emma] I first got to know Tristan Kelly during the 2-hour drive from Union to the BNA airport. Nashville was on my way home, so I would often give rides to friends headed home for school breaks. On the drive we got to talking about boxing, of all things. I was in the midst of some martial arts training, and he had just recently taken up the sport for fun. [Tristan] When we got back from break, we started seeing more of each other in the Wellness Center (I know, how romantic). She would stop by when I worked. The more I got to know her, the more I found myself hoping she’d come by. [Emma] I asked him how the boxing was going and offered up myself as a training partner (I missed training and still had the gloves, so why not?). His initiative and interest surprised me a little. We soon met up for it. [Tristan] The next thing I knew, we were in the racquetball court, gloves and pads in hand. We traded pads and combos, chatting more than actually sparring. It was fun being around her—natural and easy in a way I didn’t expect. [Emma] After the second meet-up, we chatted for awhile. I remember him talking about his faith with such energy and seriousness. He also talked about athletics; he was hoping to encourage students to come to more games. I think I volunteered myself again, this time to go to a basketball game with him. He asked me if I’d like to grab dinner afterwards, and that was our very first date. [Tristan] We traded a racquetball court in gym clothes for dinner at a restaurant and walks in the forest. It all happened in a blink of an eye. There wasn’t some grand moment where it all clicked. Just this slow realization that I loved being around her. [Emma] Dating in college is strange and weird sometimes, but it can also be pretty cool. I got to come to a couple of Tristan’s races and see him in his element (proud moments). We got to have spontaneous picnics, walks, and study dates. [Tristan] One of my favorite memories I have with Emma is when she came to Ireland to meet my family and see my homeland. During that time, we climbed mountains, drank lots of coffee, and had tons of “craic” with my friends and family. That’s when I realized although my home will always be in Ireland, my heart would be with her. With that said, our story has not always been without its share of adversity. Last summer, me and Emma actually broke up. It was a difficult season for both of us, yet we wouldn’t have it any other way. Time apart helped shape us into the people we wanted to be for each other. [Emma] Among many other things, the Lord was teaching me deeper trust and satisfaction in Him. Then at the right time, the Lord brought Tristan back into my life. Our relationship was made stronger through this, and our gratefulness for each other deepened. I never want to forget or leave out this part of our story, because it is part of the beautiful way God has shown His grace in our lives. I thank God constantly for Tristan and the love He has shown me through him! He is so faithful to the Lord and the people he loves, having a heart full of ambition to please God and give of himself. He brings me joy and his example pushes me toward Christ and to be more dedicated in all that I do. [Tristan] Emma has been one of my greatest blessings. She has grown me into a more caring and loving person through her intentionality and kindness. She has been one of my greatest supporters, coming to meets to watch me run, staying up late with me to study, and always being there for me whenever I needed her. However, most importantly she supported me in my relationship with Jesus, being a light in my life and loving me with all her heart. She continues to inspire me in my walk with God, and to love her in the way that God has first loved us. [Emma] We are so excited to step into marriage! To our family and friends, we are so thankful for each of you, for being a part of our story and encouraging us along in our journey.