The McMahon's

We were first introduced to each other in the spring of 2023 by Sophie's mentor, Ellie. She is on staff with Campus Outreach (CO), which is the ministry at St. Thomas that we both are heavily involved in. That summer, we both went to Summer Training Project (STP) in South Carolina with CO. We grew in our faith and spent a lot of time together, which was the foundation of our friendship. Little did Sophie know that Patch thought Sophie was a little extra special. ;) We came home from South Carolina as Best Friends. In the fall, a crazy semester started; Patch missed connecting with Sophie as much as they had been in the summer, so he asked her to read the bible together. This led to weekly bible studies/hangouts where Patch was drawn to Sophie even more and knew he wanted to ask her out. Patch was extra intentional with Sophie over winter break, and then once school restarted in February, Patch asked Sophie out on a date. In Sophie's fashion, she told him she needed to think about it. The longest week of Patch's life passed, and Sophie said YES—but in a month... On March 12, 2024, we went on our first date. Patch picked up Sophie with flowers at her door, and we had a blast. A couple of dates later, we became boyfriend & girlfriend on April 13th- for the first time. ;) Dating wasn't as smooth as we thought, as Sophie was struggling with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. Knowing Patch was leaving for SC again that summer, Sophie was not at peace with moving into the summer dating. We broke up less than a week before school ended. Days later, we were at a mutual friend's house, and saying goodbye got real. The summer was very hard on both of us. Sophie wasn't confident that she had made the right decision and spent the summer surrendering it to the Lord. Patch was at STP trying to let go of Sophie & clinging to the Lord. Through this hard season, the Lord worked in both of our lives, making him bigger and us smaller. We learned that nothing can satisfy us except Jesus. August came, and with both of us being in the cities, Patch knew we needed to have a conversation before the school year started. The intent of this was to get on the same page as we would be in ministry together. We were both very emotional leading up to this conversation, not knowing what the other was feeling. We met at Starbucks on August 11th, and in 5 hours, God redeemed everything! We both left in awe! How could we walk into a conversation without talking for 2 months and leaving best friends again? What was crazier was that we both had full confidence that we were meant to be together. August 13th- Patch asked Sophie out again! This time, things were different; full clarity and peace were present in both of us. We spent the afternoon hammocking on the Mississippi and left boyfriend & girlfriend. Time went on, and we continued to date, spending time embracing the story God redeemed. Soon into the school year, Sophie told Patch she was in love with him, and he had been waiting for this moment since the spring! It was crazy how fast everything was moving forward, but we both had such confidence that this was exactly what God had planned. We spent time with our families, envisioning what our future together looked like. On January 27th, 2025, Patch pulled off the best surprises yet. He got down on one knee and asked Sophie to marry him at the same spot as their first date! This night was utterly perfect! Later that night, Patch shocked Sophie with a surprise party to celebrate. So many people we love made the night unforgettable. We are beyond excited for the future together and all God has planned for us! As we reflect on what God has done, we can't do anything but PRAISE God for what he has taught us over the last 2 years. Two broken people coming together through the grace of God ready to embrace the gift of marriage! We are so thankful for everyone's love and support and can't wait to celebrate with you at our wedding!