While our families have been family friends for the past 20 years, Patrick and Katie had only talked a handful of times. Katie knew him as the "handsome older Kernan brother" and Patrick knew her as "Dr. Bob's daughter". That all changed though at the Ward family wedding in Harbor Springs, Michigan when Patrick asked Katie to dance; they haven't stopped talking since.

The proposal; well let's just say it took a TEAM to keep this from Katie. Katie has to know everything, all the time, and she's an amateur detective. With the help of both families, this was a secret that wasn't spilled. Patrick proposed on August 23, 2023 in the backyard of their house surrounded by hundreds of candles, rose petals, and family.

Katie and Patrick chose a venue that was special to both of them and who they are as a couple. St. Clair Country Club has been a place that is full of memories, but most importantly it's the last place Katie said "I love you" to her dad. We know the venue will be a place they take their future children where memories will continue to be made.