It was a first date that might not have happened if it wasn’t for Padraic’s sales skills.

Emily and Padraic met at a gathering for a mutual friend who had returned home from the Navy. A few months later, they had another chance meeting. The next morning, he sent her a text, reminding her that she had agreed to go on a date with him that night. At first, Emily was hesitant … she didn’t recall having that conversation and figured there had been a misunderstanding. Not knowing what to do, though, she gave him the benefit of the doubt, and they had their first date on March 26, 2016. It was much later that she learned she was right—she hadn’t told Padraic she would go out with him that night; he hadn’t even asked!

He sold her a line, and she bought it.

Since that time, Padraic and Emily have been sharing their love and happiness with everyone they know. Paddy is a natural fit in Emily’s Irish clan, where the name Pat, Patti, and Patrick prevail. He has gained three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and has happily stepped into the role of uncle to two nephews and a niece. Emily has a warm and loving relationship with Paddy’s parents, Kevin and Holly, and her future brothers-in-law, Sean and Ian. Family is so special to Padraic and Emily, that they started their own by welcoming Griffin, their Airedale terrier, in their home and hearts.

THE PROPOSAL(S):
The first proposal was in January, 2017: Emily’s sister, Meridith, got down on one knee and asked Padraic if he would marry her sister. He said yes!

The real proposal: On July 3, 2019, Padraic asked Emily to become his wife and create a lifetime of memories together. Their engagement was celebrated that evening with a surprise engagement party at Oliver’s Bar and Grill, Kankakee.

On December 18, 2019, Emily and Padraic purchased their first home, where they are beginning to build that lifetime of memories.

And to think it might not have happened if he hadn’t sold her a line … and she hadn’t bought it!