Several years ago Maya secretly set up a dating profile for Patti on OK Cupid. She dressed up like Patti Stanger from Millionaire Matchmaker, printed out google images of couples, and pretended to be Patti's matchmaker. She told Patti it was time to settle down and find a partner. Maya explained that she was the best matchmaker for the job by showing Patti the printed photos to prove her "success" at matching couples! Amused and touched by the very thoughtful effort by Maya, Patti agreed to give Ok Cupid a try. They spent the rest of the night finishing the profile and laughing at the humor of the fun evening. Over the next few weeks, Maya would spend more time perusing potential candidates than Patti did! Eventually Floyd reached out to Patti. Patti showed Maya his profile to get her opinion, and Maya suggested Patti give him a chance. On August 31st, 2016, Patti and Floyd met for their first date at Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar in Walnut Creek. Floyd waited patiently for Patti who was running late! When she arrived, he greeted her and Patti was impressed by his dapper style. They had a lovely time together, and at the end of the date, Floyd surprised Patti with a dozen roses and bottle of wine. Patti realized that Floyd remembered from a previous conversation about wines that he paid attention to what she liked. Impressed by his old school, gentlemanly ways, Patti accepted when Floyd expressed he wanted to keep dating her. Fast forward, they dated for several months. Unfortunately Floyd had to take a job in New York, and their relationship became long distance for the next year and a half. Patti and Floyd visited each other as often as possible. To keep busy and distract from feeling lonely, Floyd decided to enroll in dance lessons and learn various styles of ballroom dance. Patti kept busy by being part of a belly dance troupe. They spoke daily and continued to deepen their relationship, despite the distance. Eventually Floyd got a job in California, and they were so happy to be back together again! They moved in together and resided in Cupertino. Sadly the dynamics of the new situation as well as the stressors of life's curve balls took a toll on their relationship. After a year of living together they went their separate ways with broken hearts. However, their love for each other never faded. Even though their relationship fell apart, they still cared about each other deeply. Rather than force the relationship to work, they each worked on their own path of growth. Floyd dove into learning about himself and went on a determined journey of self improvement. Patti focused on changing careers and went back to school to earn an EA certificate. They kept in touch from time to time but were mindful of giving each other space to allow for healing and growth. Eventually it became clear to each of them that they did not want to live their lives without each other. Patti and Floyd developed an even deeper love and appreciation for each other, and decided to get back together. It wasn't a perfect start, and at times they felt discouraged. But they were determined to work through their challenges and put more focus on what they loved and valued about each other. Realizing life is short and that they didn't want to be held back by fears, Floyd and Patti embraced their future together by deciding that marriage was what they wanted for their future. They began the joyous task of seeking an engagement ring, and on their 5th anniversary Floyd proposed to Patti on a vacation in Napa. Although Patti thought Floyd would propose on their anniversary at some point, Patti had no idea what Floyd had up his sleeve! Floyd hired a professional photographer to pretend to take photos of the winery they were visiting. When the photographer "stumbled" upon Floyd and Patti, he asked them if he could take photos of them for the winery's website. It was all a surprise! They are excited to begin their new chapter together, and excited to celebrate with you!