Patrick made the first move, sending a ♥️ on one of Leslie’s photos, and just like that, we started chatting. A few days later, we had our first date—pizza at Avellino’s in Brookhaven. A’more! An evening neither of us wanted to end as we moved over to Southern Custard for some sweets and then to the Righteous Room for a nightcap cocktail! From there, weekly dates turned into more consistent hangouts. And after a few weddings attended (21 and counting!), Halloween Parties (Joe Dirt…IYKYK), Dawgs Saturdays (2 Natties nbd), Bender Family Beach Trips (lots of coffee shop walks), Covid-Era-Chamblee-Quarantine Card Games (Cheers to the Gov’na!), Filipino Christmas Extravaganzas, and many more pizzas later, Leslie and Patrick had the chance to move in together. The first half of 2022 was particularly tough, as both Leslie and Patrick experienced losses near and dear to their hearts. Lucky for us, we had each other to turn to and lean on, and our love grew. The timing was perfect for us to take the next step and test the waters as roommates! The Residences at Chastain (our apartment complex) was a time we will always hold dear, as we learned each other's routines, habits, and favorite go-to meals (shoutout to our airfryer). We also saw a glimpse of what it’ll be like to raise kids, as we couldn't bear being in the apartment any longer without a canine companion by our sides! Benny Dale Bender was picked up on LDW ‘22. Needless to say, it’s been quite the ride with our Buddy Ben. We caved after crate training for seven weeks (mission accomplished for Ben), this guy has us wrapped around his toe beans, and we love it. Part of Apartment 2102’s daily routine became our 5 PM walks, at either the Blue Heron Nature Preserve or the loop at Chastain Park- how lucky were we to have such wonderful greenspaces right in our backyard! The trails at Blue Heron were particularly special to Patrick, as he raised his first dog, Salem, on the banks of Nancy Creek. Salem ADORED Leslie and we could feel her presence around us as we walked through her old stomping grounds. This is where Patrick knew he wanted to dedicate the rest of his life to Leslie! On Friday, June 30th, 2023, after dodging a rainy afternoon, Patrick got Leslie out of the house for the daily walk (it was happening rain or shine people!). After making it to their normal break spot along the creek, and through some stumbling words, Patrick dropped to one knee and asked Leslie if she’d be his wife. She said yes folks! More happy times followed, and before we knew it, a wedding date of May 17th 2025 was set in stone- to the (paradise) hills we go! 2024 flew by and alas, we starved for more room to live and spread our wings. We knew we needed a house to call our own and eventually start a family in. After some swings & misses, we found the house that we knew we wanted to be in (Shoutout to the Glen!). This was one that we chased and prayed hard for… Eureka! We closed on a house in October 2024, and like a flash, were now suburbians in Marietta GA! Of course, we wouldn't be who we are today without the family and friends we have by our sides, who have watched us grow our relationship from pizza pals, to husband and wife. So there you go folks, that’s our story (encore! encore!). We can’t wait to see what the future holds. Cheers to the Benders! Love You All- Leslie & Patrick