Patrick and Ashley's story begins back in their sophomore years of high school (~2014). One of Ashley's best friends, and now Maid of Honor, Jacey brought her long-time family friend, Patrick, to the Camden Catholic sophomore cotillion. After pictures at Ashley's house, everyone went to the dance together, took photos in the photobooth, and had a great night! Years later in 2021, Jacey and Patrick (and their moms) took a trip to Disney World together. While riding the ferry into Magic Kingdom, Patrick asked Jacey why her head was buried in her phone. Jacey stated that she was talking to her best friend. Slyly, Patrick asked to see a picture of her friend and remarked that he would love to meet her at some point. Obviously, that friend was Ashley. A few months later on June 18, Jacey set up a night out to Morgan's Pier in Philly to re-introduce Patrick to Ashley. After hanging out at Morgan's for a few hours, Patrick forced the group to walk (about 30 minutes) to Paddy Whacks, where Ashley and Patrick had their first kiss. Ashley and Patrick had their first date 2 weeks later - sushi and a movie. One week later, Patrick wanted to take Ashley on a second date, an all-day beach trip to Ocean City with just the two of them. Clearly, Patrick was eager to spend as much time as possible with Ashley from the start. Thereafter, Patrick and Ashley spent almost every weekend together, taking trips to the Cape May Zoo, going to Phillies games, and enjoying local parks. Once Ashley started medical school, Patrick showed nothing but support for her, but he had to get more creative when it came to finding ways for them to spend time together. They would spend time together on weeknights and weekends, even if it meant Ashley was studying and Patrick was quietly sitting next to her. Patrick and Ashley talked about getting engaged several times, but Ashley told Patrick that she wanted to be dating for at least two years before they did. Begrudgingly, Patrick honored this request. In June 2024, Ashley took a big test for medical school for which she had to study for weeks. After this test, Patrick and Ashley planned to take a vacation to Disney World before Ashley started school again in July. On June 18, the day after her exam and the morning of their flight, Patrick decided that he wanted to go outside and "enjoy" the 90 degree day at Laurel Acres Park. He stated that he found a video on Instagram that he wanted to two of them to recreate. Even though seemingly random, this video did not phase Ashley, as Patrick was always planning silly things for them to do. Once at the park, they created the video and, as Ashley was about to go turn the recording off, Patrick pulled her back and got down on one knee. You all saw the video, so no need to explain the rest. Patrick was able to wait 2 years and 5 months before asking Ashley to marry him and, coincidentally, asked exactly 3 years after they “re-met”! They emanate love for each other and continue to make each other grow while also growing together. They are so excited to celebrate their love with all of you September 27, 2025!