We met in Milledgeville while attending Georgia College. We were introduced to each other at a house party by a mutual friend. Brenda found out that one of her friends from Athens, Tinsley, was actually Patrick’s cousin. When Brenda told Tinsley that she met Patrick at the party, Tinsley responded, “Will you marry him or something? He needs a cool girl in his life.” A year later, we had our first date and have been together ever since.

Shortly after we started dating, Patrick planned a date for us to see the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens for Christmas. We had so much fun and said for years that we wanted to go back. It wasn’t until seven years later that we returned for another date. As we were getting ready to board the trolley for the light show, Patrick “spotted” a bag beside a bush and walked over toward it. Patrick picked up the bag and pulled out a poodle puppy with a ring on her collar. We named our new puppy Callaway and she goes by “Callie.”

Eleven years to the day after meeting at the party, we had a private marriage ceremony held in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We exchanged vows and are spending the remainder of our trip exploring Colorado. We can’t wait to celebrate with our friends and family in October!