We met the old fashioned way and the way many great relationships begin—through mutual friends. A very special shout-out to Tom and Lauren Milford, who brought us into each other’s orbit. What followed was almost a missed connection… or at least a delayed one. Pat had texted Bridget to ask her out to dinner—but forgot one small detail: introducing himself. Add in Bridget’s notoriously poor texting and response skills, and nearly a month went by before we realized that the text asking her out had been sitting unnoticed. Once that small mystery was solved, we finally made plans. Pat asked Bridget to dinner; Bridget countered with coffee (single mom life, squeezing it in while Ava was at dance). That coffee date quickly turned into a conversation we didn’t want to end—and both of us wishing we had more time. Dinner followed soon after, and from there, so did many thoughtfully planned dates. Pat made sure they were active, fun, and a little competitive—escape rooms, bowling, darts, long walks, arts events, and even one-on-one basketball at the gym—often shared with friends along the way, and always balanced out by trying what felt like nearly every restaurant St. Louis has to offer. What started as easy and fun grew much more meaningful in the summer of 2025, when Pat was introduced to Bridget’s daughter, Ava. From that moment on, life became about the three of us—building routines, sharing laughs, making memories, and spending lots of time together as a family, with Tiger always close by. As our relationship grew, so did the circle around us. We spent time getting to know each other’s families and friends—game nights and pumpkin carving with the Stephens family, and Sunday dinners and Mizzou tailgates with the Hormbergs. In September, Pat had the pleasure of meeting Bridget’s entire extended family at Will and Amanda’s wedding, making it clear just how lucky we are to be surrounded by so much love and support. Just before Christmas, Pat proposed in the most perfect and intimate way—at home, in front of the Christmas tree. Ava was included every step of the way, receiving her own infinity bracelet and necklace to mark the moment and the family we’ve become. The celebration continued with a seafood dinner (Bridget’s favorite) and a cozy Christmas movie night together. Shortly after, we brought both of our families together to celebrate this next chapter at Pat’s sister and brother-in-law, Cassie and Tom’s home. An evening that felt just as meaningful as the proposal itself, reminding us how grateful we are for the love and support that surrounds us. We’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you and can’t wait for July 24!!