It all started when they both decided to swipe right… For those unfamiliar with dating on an app, you have two options to create a hook, pictures and a self-written bio. When two people “swipe right” they are mutually agreeing that A) the pictures are (at least) attractive and B) no immediate red flags popped up in the biography. Laura and Patrick both swiped right. Laura’s pictures were pretty great, everybody agrees. On this particular dating app, Bumble, the female MUST break the ice. It’s a written law. Patrick had posted a photo rocking some sweet maroon pants. “Nice pants.” Silence. Silence in text is not golden, either. Nearly a full 24 hours later and Patrick finally responded (any later and Laura would have been vaporware, according to app rules). A few brief messages later, Laura and Patrick realized that neither of them were the “texting type.” A date was set to meet at Morrissey’s Irish Pub, a neutral location neither had previously been to (nor since – neutral territory is sacred). They quickly hit it off. One beer turned into two. Meals were forgotten, and over six hours later they had their first kiss (with class) on the corner of Lake and Colfax. Two days later Patrick made homemade pasta and grilled steaks, and following a third awesome date involving mini golf, margaritas and a Ferris wheel, they were smitten. They deleted the dating apps and remain smitten today.

While on Vacation in Portland, Maine, Patrick thought it would be a splendid idea to shoot from the hip with his proposal. Surely there were ample romantic opportunities across the quaint historical town of Portland? There were not. So on the second to the last day, he booked a private tour of the bay via an antique lobster boat, ordered a bottle of wine, a secret bottle of champagne, equipped the captain with the knowledge of his plans, and pretended it was the best idea Laura had ever had. As they were guided through the tour, the guide disappeared below deck from time to time to give Patrick a chance to pop the question. About 30 minutes into the trip, Laura commented to Patrick "This guide is terrible. He keeps disappearing - we're paying him to tell us about the area!" Patrick agreed, not ready to ask just yet. About half way through, Patrick nodded to the captain and guide - who both made themselves scarce, and asked Laura for her hand in marriage. He had a custom wooden box made, with a map of the bay and Portland, Maine, which he presented the ring in. It was a $3 ring from Amazon - stunning in it's clarity. As he knelt, staring up at her sun glass-hidden eyes, he wondered if she might respond. "Well?" He asked. "Yes!" She replied. He swears he can still hear the guide and captain's collective sighs of relief - think of how awkward that would have been for them had it gone a different direction. The broke open the champagne and have yet to stop the celebration.