The Proposal
I am often asked why I moved to Ireland in 2015. And it’s a pretty special story.
How I Came to Live in Ireland
I went to college in-state, but also on the opposite side of Washington from where I grew up, roughly a 5 hour drive away. I didn’t know anybody going to the same college, so I was on my own. It was a really exciting (and nerve-wracking) time, with no expectation of what was to come. During orientation, one of the students set up at the event to make sure all of the freshmen were looked after sat down at a picnic table to talk to me. She told me that she had just finished studying abroad for the second time, and wanted to move when she graduated because she was so in love with this culture she had immersed herself in. She spoke of it with such awe, I thought studying abroad must be nothing short of magic. It wasn’t even something I had heard of before, let alone considered a possibility for my own time in college.
Once I was set up with classes, my first priority was figuring out if I could possibly study abroad, too. I had a shortlist of European countries I was interested in, and narrowed it down to Ireland based on nothing more than a gut feeling. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to afford the really high tuition that came with the programmes. The study abroad advisor at Eastern was so kind though, and worked with me until we found a programme at the last minute that would be possible to afford with the help of donations from family and a little moving around of my scholarship. Finally, I was on a plane to Ireland with no idea what I was doing other than following my intuition.
How Killian and I Met
In June of 2014, I visited Ireland for the first time. 2 months on this beautiful, rainy island later and I had fallen deeply in love with Ireland. Then, I fell deeply in love with Killian. My coworker for only 1 month of that summer, we actually only spoke properly for the first time as I was heading out on my last day.
We connected so instantly. In fact, we stood in the middle of the floor in the office talking to each other for over an hour before we realised how long it had been, and that everyone was staring at us. I thought that would be the only time I saw him since I was leaving, and it felt like such a missed connection. But he quickly connected with me on Facebook and we went on two dates before I headed on to my 2 week trip around Europe. As they say, the rest is history, and his trips to see me in the states over the following year only solidified my feeling that I had to get back to Ireland. In fact, I remember in October of that year, just months after we started dating, telling a really good friend who’s like a mother to me that I thought Killian was the one.
After finishing up school, I made the move over to Ireland to figure out the complex world of visas, immigration, and cultural acclimation. It was about 3 years before I found my feet, but Killian remained my rock throughout the ups and downs.
How he proposed
Okay I’ve waffled a lot in the lead-up. So how did we get here? Killian has come to Utah with me a few times now but it’s been for Christmas or once in September. I really missed summer in Utah, and wanted him to be able to experience the beauty of it. So this year we planned our trip for June. I had actually really wanted to visit in July to surprise my grandma for her 80th birthday, but it was twice the price for flights!
Still, both of my grandparents are turning 80 this year and also celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. So I wanted to celebrate with them while I visited. But what could I give the couple that have it all? I decided to organise a photoshoot because I know how much they love having pictures together and with family. I thought it would be a really fun way to commemorate such a special time!
Photoshoots are very much an American thing. Having nice photos done here doesn’t really exist unless you’re getting married. So selfishly I thought it would also be a good chance to get photos of the 2 of us, and the 4 of us together. Plus I just really freaking love my grandparents so I will always take the opportunity to get some nice photos with them.
That morning we took advantage of some cooler weather and hiked up Neff’s Canyon. For the first time in a looooong long long time, there was water running in the streams. I have so many childhood memories on that mountain so it was really special to share that with Killian (who had hiked it with me in the snow before but not in the summer).
After the hike, we worked with my grandparents in the front yard. It was really nice to all spend active time together, and I really appreciated the more difficult tasks Killian took on for them. Then, it was time to get dressed for the shoot! My grandparents had decided to have the photos done in their yard, which I was thrilled about because their house is pure, clarified magic. We had gorgeous evening light coming through the tree cover, making for some stunning photos. We had photos done of all combos of us, but focused on the gorgeous couple of the moment.
While my grandparents were getting some photos taken in the front garden, I saw a patch of greenery amongst the trees that I thought would make for a few really nice pictures with Killian. First, we took a few photos amid the trees.
We made our way over to a stone, where I sat, and Killian stayed behind me for a few shots. When I turned around, there he was ❤️
From the Claddagh ring (I’ll give more detail on this!) to the presence of my grandparents in a place that was so near and dear to my heart, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment. (And yes, the above photo is of THE moment, it’s not staged!)
Conveniently with a camera right there, we quickly pivoted to an engagement shoot!
I found out that while he was golfing with my grandpa the previous day he had asked for his permission, which lead to many (happy) tears. Same when I found out he had showed Nutmeg the ring before we flew to Utah. And when he told me he had been waiting to be able to go back to Utah with me to propose! He thought of everything, and really made it memorable for me.
Since we were still on vacation we kept it pretty quiet until we could get home and tell all of the parents, only telling close people we saw in person. That was so special to me since I don’t see people in the States very often, and normally wouldn’t get to share news face to face! Plus, it turned out to be really special to stay in our private little bubble for a while, just enjoying each other’s company during this time ❤️
Since we got so many cute photos and I can’t pick just a couple, I’m going to stick the rest of the photoshoot (pre-engagement) in here!
Love you big time!
The Claddagh Ring
“With these hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love.”
For my non-Irish friends/family, the traditional Irish Claddagh ring has 3 elements:
❤️ a heart, symbolising love
👑 a crown, symbolising loyalty
👐🏼 hands, symbolising friendship
I cannot think of someone who is more loyal or a better friend than Killian. I’m so glad you have my heart. You wear the ring with the heart pointed outward when you’re engaged to indicate a lifelong commitment and turn the heart to point inwards when you marry, indicating your heart is taken forever.