What are the young lady's plans as far as her education and professional future is concerned?

Unless things have changed drastically Mercer is a traditional playground for "Southern Belles". That means families and ties and no problem of finding a job for a son-in-law.

There will hardly be a way around a propper wedding. Brace yourself! Preperations take from six months to a year. Is she open to K1 and a white wedding months later?

Your first concern should be the conviction. Have all paperwork together and contact the US Embassy to find out if and how it affects the approval of a K1.