Valadez 2026

August 30, 2017 marked the start of a relationship neither of them expected. The two were beginning new chapters at the University of Southern California and neither were looking for anything serious. It started outside next to the sun-bleached campus piano, where a music major was playing as students passed by. Helen spotted a friend from class and stopped to say hello only a few weeks into freshman year, when everyone was still eager to meet new people. Patrick noticed Helen immediately and struck up a conversation with her and her roommate. The roommate quickly took on the role of wing women, keeping the conversation going while Patrick and Helen figured each other out. Patrick was intrigued but Helen was ready to escape. The moment ended with an invitation back to hang out, setting the stage for what would become their first date. Many late nights of studying, Papa Johns, and hanging out with friends brought them closer. Three years of long distance was the final challenge and it was within those first two weeks in St Louis, Missouri Patrick knew he found his wife. His return to Los Angeles set the stage for the next step, engagement.