Four years and forty-five miles. How did this couple meet when they lived 45 miles away from each other and were 4 years apart in age? Interestingly enough, the story started with a virtual game of 8 Ball in 2017. On April 29th, Patrick was hanging out with our mutual friends who had just started dating that year. He decided to play iMessage games on Rhea's close friend's phone. One of the friends he happened to play against that day was Rhea. Rhea immediately noticed that her friend was not the one playing her back. This person was playing a little TOO well. After Patrick revealed himself, he placed a friendly bet that if he won the next 8-ball game, he could have Rhea's Snapchat. Sure enough, he won. From there, they started messaging daily and met in person for the first time on May 6, 2017. On May 21, 2017, Patrick ever so casually asked Rhea, "So, should we make it official?" Of course, she said yes. Seven years later, Patrick asked Rhea a much bigger, less casual question down on one knee at the Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia: "Will you marry me?" Of course, she said yes. Patrick and Rhea are the definition of opposites attract. Their hobbies and personalities are very different. At the beginning of the relationship, every tiny thing in common was a celebration like their love for Chick-fil-A sauce and going to the movies. Patrick is an outgoing, life-of-the-party type of guy who loves to hunt, fish, and be outdoors. Rhea is an introverted type of girl who loves to bake, sing, and stay home with their cat, LuLu. It might sound unlikely on paper, but after spending just 5 minutes with them, you’d know that they are each other's soulmates. If four years and forty-five miles couldn’t keep them apart, nothing ever will. They are so excited to celebrate their love with you on February 21, 2026!