Melissa and Patrick met through mutual friends their senior year of high school. They continued to see each other at different events throughout their senior year and became better and better friends as senior year concluded. Despite going to different colleges, they kept in touch on how the beginning of their collegiate careers began. They formed a connection throughout their first semester and Pat planned to visit Melissa at West Chester on his way home for Thanksgiving break. Pat really liked Melissa and hoped she felt the same way. When Melissa was giving Pat a tour of West Chester and started pointing out the “important” rocks of West Chester, they laughed and laughed. They hung out again over Winter break and decided they were a couple before going back to school! Their best weekends over the next year and a half were hopping on a Fullington bus and visiting each other’s school. Whether it was concerts, formals, football games, or just because, they constantly counted the days to when they would see each other next. Melissa transferred to Penn State for junior year and the fun never stopped.

Once they started dating, Melissa and Patrick did everything together. Melissa introduced Patrick to concerts, Broadway, and where to take girls other than Applebees’s. Pat had a new partner for Phillies, Sixers, and Villanova games. But, what the two looked forward to the most was spending time together down the shore. They went on bike rides, explored the boardwalk, and relaxed on the beach. They loved being in Wildwood so much, they made a tradition of spending many of their New Year’s Eves with friends down the shore. Wildwood was a special place to both of them. As soon as Pat bought the ring, he knew where he wanted to propose. With COVID popping up right after the purchase, Pat could not wait to ask Melissa to marry him, but knew he would have to. When a free week at the Wildwood house opened up, Pat and Melissa jumped at the chance to get away. The ring was packed along with a few decorations. On Thursday, the two went for a bike ride, went for a walk and listened to music on the porch. Watching the sun set, Melissa said the day was “perfect”. If only she knew. It was starting to get late. With Melissa laying down, Pat snuck out to the porch and started putting the plan in place. Lights were hung, pictures of their favorite memories and rose petals were placed, their songs playing in the background. Pat called Melissa out on the balcony. He asked her to marry him. They were engaged. It was a night they will never forget.