It had all the makings of a small town love story. Elena worked summers at Jake’s Seafood in Hull during college, right across the street from where Brian grew up. They even overlapped at Emmanuel College for a semester without ever meeting, which could have been fate or just two people who weren’t paying much attention.

They finally met at a friend’s graduation party in the summer of 2014, although whether Brian was actually invited is still up for debate.

After a night of talking, Elena fell for Brian… literally. Leaning back in a lawn chair, laughing and ignoring Brian’s warning to be careful, she suddenly went straight to the ground when the chair collapsed. Brian offered a hand up, trying not to look too pleased with himself, while Elena made it very clear what she thought of his warning. Somehow, that was the start of everything.

A few years later, Elena moved to Dublin for her master’s, and Brian started spending more and more time there. With Elena’s family in Ireland, visits naturally turned into family gatherings, nights out with friends, and plenty of pints. Before long, Ireland started to feel like a second home, not just for Elena, but for both of them.

By fall 2025, Brian decided it was time to pop the question. He picked Scituate Lighthouse, one of their favorite spots. In true Brian and Elena fashion, a major storm rolled in that day. But through the rain and the wind, Elena said yes.

Getting married in Ireland feels like a full circle moment. Together, they can’t wait to celebrate with their family and friends in a place that has become such a special part of their story. Hopefully, this time with sturdier chairs.