Hawk, very we'll done to you both, you've shown there's a way to be together with very little cost .....hope all is well for you there in Ireland.

I don't want to rain on your parade but just to say that those at UKVI changed their rules somewhat.
You'll likely need to be prepared to stay in Ireland significantly longer than the 3 months you might have planned.

Do you have a job there yet?

It looks at first sight as if 8 - 12 months stay might be your best strategy in order to secure a trouble free return to UK

I can't go into all the detail right now, but I'll make a new thread over the next couple of days explaining how the goalposts have been moved.

As usual UKVI have ignored EU latest rulings and until such time as the courts are utilised to challenge their position it will stand.

Hang on in their hawk, you might be the first to battle through the new regs and return to UK if that's your goal.

Look out for a new thread on this over the next couple of days.

BTW hawk, how proper married life