Kendrick started at Texas State University in 2009, and Patty arrived in San Marcos in August 2010. During her first few weeks on campus, Patty set her sights on joining the co-ed fraternity Lambda Alpha Epsilon. One evening, she tagged along with a new friend to a new members meeting — and that’s when she saw him. He walked in, sat casually on the table at the front of the room like he owned the place, and in that moment, she knew she was going to love college. Their mutual friends could tell there was something there, but somehow they never quite connected beyond passing moments and shared glances. It wasn’t until years later that fate stepped in and brought them back together. Kendrick began asking Patty out on real dates and coming over for Love Island watch parties. They would reminisce about those early college days, laughing about what almost was, and eventually decided to let fate take the lead and see where a relationship might go. As they were dating, the world shut down during COVID — but that didn’t stop Patty from wanting to see Kendrick. When he caught COVID several times, she did what she could from a distance, sending fruit and small comforts to take care of him. Even in uncertainty, they chose each other. They grew even closer during the snow-apocalypse in Austin. When there was no power, no light, and no certainty about what would come next, Kendrick made Patty feel safer than ever — using all his favorite camping equipment to cook meals and make the best of a freezing, dark situation. In the middle of chaos, they found warmth. Their relationship faced another test when Kendrick took a job out of state for over a year. Long distance wasn’t easy, but it only strengthened what they already knew — they were building something worth waiting for. When that chapter ended, they continued their journey together in Wisconsin, growing side by side. Now, as they get married, they’re making their way back to where it all began — Texas — bringing their story full circle.