We're Getting Married!

In the year 2020 two souls reached out into the void of the internet hoping for a virtual connection to find something positive amidst the COVID-19 epidemic. Michelle and Patrick both identified themselves on their OkCupid profiles as nerds with a love of literature. Patrick, brave heart that he is, sent the first message to which Michelle ecstatically replied with a plethora of details about various writing projects. This was the beginning of many lengthy conversations where the couple would bond over their creative passions, hobbies, and interests ranging from superheroes to stand-up comedy. Long texts turned into long video-chats which turned into deciding to meet in real life. On May 12, 2020, Pat drove to Stewart Manor, where Michelle was living with her father during quarantine, When Patrick saw Michelle for the first time his first thought was "She's really cute! I like her smile." and Michelle’s initial thoughts mirrored his, thinking “He’s even cuter in person!” followed quickly by “I like his vibe, I just want to keep hanging out with him,” which is a sentiment Michelle maintains to this day. Pioneers in the realm of dating during the pandemic, it is to be noted that the couple did make a genuine attempt at social distancing on their first date… At least initially. They got take-out pizza and sat six feet apart on park benches to remove their masks to eat. They also kept their masks on for the as long as they could manage while walking around the neighborhood in the gorgeous spring time sun. As the hours passed, the two grew more comfortable, walking closer and closer together until Patrick reached out his hand to hold Michelle's. At this point they decided their mutual connection was so strong that they would be seeing each other regularly from that moment on. As the sun went down and the sky darkened, there came a chill to the air, and the young pair decided to go for a drive, as neither of the them wanted the date to come to an end. Patrick didn't end up leaving Stewart Manor until around midnight. He walked Michelle to the front door and didn't hesitate to slyly ask Michelle to seal the deal with a goodnight kiss before leaving. From that moment on their lives were bound together. They began seeing each other with increasing frequency with their affections growing steadily over the summer of 2020. It was on Patrick’s birthday, August 8, that Michelle was hit with a profound realization. She was in love. Nervously, she held her tongue, waiting to see if Patrick felt the same way. After what felt like an eternity of waiting, Patrick finally said the magic words on Halloween night, stating simply, but passionately, “I love you.” Both were overwhelmed with relief when Michelle confessed that she loved him too. It was merely weeks later on their first Christmas together that Michelle was hit with another profound realization, with the thought popping into her head: “That’s my husband.” And she’s been #MadAboutOMalley ever since.