Patrick and Alison both started working at Sonny's BBQ in Orlando during their Sophomore year of college. The Sonny's crew was a very close-knit group of people and they started to all hang out on a weekly basis, usually at the bowling alley. It was these regular get-togethers that allowed Alison and Patrick to spend some time together outside of work. A couple months later they went on their first date to the movie theater and Patrick tried to leave without so much as a hug (it didn't work). From then on they only grew closer. They started dating in March of 2017. They were working together, making time for each other on campus between classes, having dinner dates at home, and holding onto those weekly bowling sessions.
Patrick had originally planned a trip to St. Augustine to celebrate their 3 year anniversary in March. Somehow these two Floridians had never been to this historic city. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many things were shut down and the trip was cancelled. In June, Patrick surprised Alison one morning with a note that said "Our anniversary trip starts now!" So off to St. Augustine they went. Shortly after arriving, they took a walk on the beach just before sunset where Patrick got down on one knee and popped the question. Of course Alison said yes! (Well technically, she asked "Are you messing with me?" and then said yes.) They then spent the weekend exploring a new city and celebrating their love.