Cassidy and Patrick met through mutual friends during a local triathlon event. Not long after on St. Patrick's Day 2014, Patrick arrived early at the local "Irish Pub" in downtown Kona. After his first Guinness he texted Cassidy to see if she wanted to join him. Cassidy only lived about quarter mile from the pub. About 15 minutes later Patrick had a drinking partner on St. Patrick's Day. He knew from this day on that Cassidy would be special to him. Funny thing is, they both don't drink! Only on this one particular day did they share too many drinks! Today, they both enjoy training together for triathlon and adventure races in Hawaii and Alaska. They only drink Gatorade these days!

During our July 2018 visit to Alaska I knew I was going to propose to Cassidy. However, I wasn't sure exactly the date, time and location. I thought about proposing on our first few nights while camping in Eagle River and it didn't happen. I thought about proposing after Cassidy's Alaskaman Extreme Triathlon in Girdwood and it didn't happen. Then we travelled to Juneau and I knew I was close to asking her. The location and scenery was perfect however, there were too many cruise ship tourists in the area, not enough privacy, so it didn't happen. Then we traveled to Denali National Park. We hiked out a bit and came across an open plain. Suddenly a stunning vista spread out for miles with the majestic Mt. Denali (McKinley) shimmering like a diamond in the afternoon sun. An empty wooden park bench appeared and it was calling me. I knelt down behind it and began to carve our names into the bench. Cassidy was so upset I was defacing National Park property. She tried to stop me but I continued. She ran over and looked at the writing on the bench. Still on my knees I turned to her as she read..."Cassidy will you marry me? Love Patrick, 7/27/18"....(see above image).... And here we are today!! Wedding day is exactly one year from proposal !