Unfortunately, in light of current restrictions on events, we are not able to host the planned reception. Please see the "schedule" page for more info

Mary and Patrick initially met when their study abroad program hosted mass at Saint Peter's Basilica on their first Sunday in Rome, Italy. By mid-semester, Patrick and Mary had become good friends and often spent time together with groups of other friends. As the last month of the semester drew near, Patrick wondered if there might be something more to his friendship with Mary. Mary, picking up on Patrick's thoughts, wondered if he was interested in her and in turn if she was interested in him. After realizing she was interested, Mary tried for a few weeks to make Patrick realize her interest. Five days before flying back to the U.S., after going out to dinner with Patrick and other members of the program, Mary sent Patrick a text telling him how she felt about him. In response, Patrick told Mary that she was beautiful and wonderful but that he had been praying about it and was not ready for a relationship, he needed to focus on his studies. While Mary was disappointed, she was determined to stay friends with Patrick, thinking that maybe something would work out down the road. Over the next few days, Mary and Patrick continued to spend time together in group settings. On the day before Mary's departure from Rome, after spending time with a group Mary and Patrick were left alone in the school cafeteria. Taking the opportunity, Patrick initiated a conversation asking Mary if he could take back the part of the text in which he stated he was not ready for a relationship. After aimlessly searching for souvenirs together on their first time out in Rome together, Mary went back to her host family's apartment, returning to the school campus for the farewell dinner-dance. Patrick and Mary were able to spend time dancing together during the final night. As the night wrapped up, the party moved to a local bar where Patrick bought Mary a drink. He walked her back to her apartment before returning back to campus. Mary returned to the U.S. the following morning.

The Wednesday before their college graduation, Patrick travelled to Mary's school in Baltimore to attend her school's senior gala. Arriving around 11:00 am on a sunny, 80 degree day, Patrick and Mary decided to take a walk to spend some time at a local park. Mary, however, insisted that they return to her apartment before heading to the park so that Patrick could change out of the suit he was wearing in preparation for the gala. After returning to Mary's apartment, Patrick argued with Mary about changing his outfit citing excuses such as the fact that his "cuff links would be too hard to take off and put back on," and that he couldn't wear his salmon shorts because "he had worn to much pink lately." Ultimately, Patrick agreed to compromise by changing his pants and shirt but still wearing his blazer. While walking to the park, Patrick insisted, despite Mary's protests about it being in the opposite direction, on walking to the school's chapel to take some pictures of her near it. Upon arriving at one of Mary's favorite places on campus, the 9-11 Memorial Garden next to the chapel, Patrick began taking pictures of her, to which Mary, who does not like being in pictures, dramatized her frustration with him. Finally, as Mary continued to be difficult, Patrick pulled her in for a hug. It was from there that he gave his speech, expressing how lucky he was to have her in his life, before getting down on one knee to ask the question. Once Mary said yes, one of her good friends, Jess, appeared offering to take pictures of the newly engaged couple. After promising that no one else knew, Patrick suggested they head back to Mary's apartment so that she could call her family. Upon arriving at her apartment Patrick and Mary were greeted by Mary's roommates, Caitlin and Lindsey, with a cake, champagne, and a fully decorated apartment to celebrate the event.