It was March of 2018, St. Patrick’s Day weekend, when Cara and Mike crossed paths for the first time. Cara’s cousin Andrew was home from the military and wanted to go out and “rage” at his favorite local karaoke bar, The Cool Cricket, with family and friends. Cara didn’t go there much but decided she could use a night out—and, of course, listen to her cousin sing.

She and her family sat at the back of the bar, drinking and laughing, when suddenly her family thought it would be a good idea to set Cara up. They felt it was time she met someone because she was almost “30.” Her aunt spotted a nice, handsome, bald guy at the end of the bar and thought Cara should go over and speak to him. Cara didn’t feel the need to approach him (she didn’t think a “bald” guy was her type, haha), but her family took the liberty to speak for her.

Andrew and Gordon followed this man into the bathroom and suggested he buy their cousin, the blonde girl in the corner a drink. Cara sat in the corner, feeling incredibly embarrassed by her crazy family. To her surprise, the man walked over, set a drink down, and said, “Here. I heard you need a fresh drink, and your family is crazy.”

Now feeling super embarrassed and wanting to crawl under the table, Cara’s aunt insisted she go over and thank him for the drink. Knowing she was taught to always say thank you, Cara walked over to the bar and started a conversation with this man, whose name was “Fish.” They talked for the rest of the night, and when Fish cooked for her, the rest became history.

Over the next few years, Cara and Fish grew closer, made memories, and built a strong relationship together. Their biggest test came in March 2020, during the lockdown, when they decided to take the leap and move in together. It wasn’t always easy, but they found joy in everyday adventures—visiting the food store, Home Depot, and welcoming their new puppy ChiCho to the family. They spent evenings by their backyard fire, drinking margaritas made with ingredients from the garden they started together. Cara and Fish made a commitment to always make the best out of situations and to support each other through anything life throws their way.

Fast forward to March 2024, St. Patrick’s Day weekend: little did Cara know that Fish was about to ask the most important question of their relationship. Fish convinced Cara to get ready, saying they were going out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as they usually do on their anniversary. As Cara walked into The Cool Cricket, she was not expecting to see all her closest family and friends gathered in the bar. The event was set up to be a surprise graduation party to celebrate Cara completing her Master’s degree. But as the night went on and the band played, Fish got her up in front of everyone and asked her to marry him.

Cara, completely surprised and overwhelmed, ugly cried in front of everyone as she, of course, said YES! So much planning went into making this night special, and they had the best time partying and dancing the night away with their family and friends. Cara has truly hooked her “Fish.”

Now, as they embark on their next chapter, they look forward to their big day in 2025, planning the best party of the year and celebrating their union with all their loved ones.