Ah, the MBA program--it just sounds romantic, doesn't it? After both completing undergrad at the University of Arkansas (WOO PIG), we started the MBA in January of 2016. Patrick made the first "move" by sliding into my Facebook DMs and asking to borrow my finance book. Smooth operator. After a few weeks of cohort happy hours and long nights studying for impossible finance tests, he finally asked me out, and we've been together ever since.

May 17th, 2019 I got to say YES (after many many “no, no, no, nos”) to spending the rest of my life with my absolute best friend in the whole world. The nos were only because he ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend at the lake after a long and exhausting work trip to Scottsdale where I was not only promoted but was up way too late celebrating the night before. After a treacherous flight home (middle seat and all!!), Patrick promptly picked me up the airport (which should have been my first clue because he is never on time) and we started the 2 hour journey to Truman Lake. I wanted to go back to his house and change into my comfy clothes beforehand, but he was in such a hurry to get down there!! I thought he was just really excited for a Busch Light by the water! When we arrived, he asked if I wanted a drink on the deck to celebrate my new job. I put my stuff inside and went out to the back deck to join the toast, but instead of a drink, he was holding the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen! After the mush and the gush, the ring was finally placed on my finger, and I thought that was that! But then I was surprised with all of my family and friends who drove in from all over to celebrate! He put so much thought into everything, from making sure my nails were done, organizing the guest list and tracking my plane every day for a month to estimate potential delays (not to mention the ring he helped design for months using diamonds from his grandmother’s jewelry). He makes me feel so loved, not just that day but all days, and if this is any indicator of life as Mrs. Barnes then I couldn’t be more blessed!