We're getting married!

Pat and Steph first locked eyes with each other in their finance classes at Florida State University, but never had the chance to meet during their time in college. About 2 years after graduating, Pat and Steph finally got to meet when Pat happened to attend a Christmas party in Steph's hometown, Pompano Beach. Steph and Pat had an instant connection, but since Steph lived in Charlotte at the time and Pat lived in Tampa, they both knew they had to go their separate ways and let God's plan unfold. A year later, Christmas time was approaching so Pat reached out to Steph to hopefully rekindle their relationship while Steph was in Florida for the holidays. Although it sounds cheesy, Pat and Steph both quickly admitted that they considered each other their literal "dream" girl and guy and knew they had to see if their dreams could become a reality. During their time together over that holiday season, they knew their bond was undeniably special. After the holidays, Steph and Pat started dating long distance for about a year and a half until Steph finally moved to Tampa to be with Pat. On their wedding day, they'll have been together for about 5.5 years and the rest will be history!

After the holidays of 2020 had passed I knew it was time to ask Steph to be with me forever. At the beginning of March we had a trip planned to Steph's parents house in Pompano, so I knew this was a perfect chance to ask for their blessing. Steph's dad, Bruce, and I snuck away one morning to hit golf balls. At the end of our time there I asked him for his permission to ask Steph to marry me. In my mind I thought it would be a quick answer, however if you know Bruce it was not. He made me sweat a bit before adding many life lessons and finishing with "Absolutely Pat you have my blessing." I planned on getting some free time with Steph's mom, Eileen, to get her blessing as well but due to some unforeseen circumstances that had to wait until we were back in Tampa. After picking up the ring I facetimed Eileen to get her blessing and let her know of my plans to propose. To my surprise Eileen had been tipped off and was giddy when she answered the phone. Eileen was over the moon with joy and gave me her blessing. On a condensed timeline, I scrambled to make all the arrangements for the following weekend. Luckily I was able to get dinner reservations at a restaurant we love and accommodations for her parents to surprise her after I popped the question. I knew Steph didn't want a huge elaborate engagement production so I decided I would do it at our home before dinner. The only photographer present was a video on my iPhone rolling in the kitchen, where I managed to prop it up last minute. I created a video with pictures of our best memories to a song we both love. Steph was completely caught off guard and at one point stated, "Oh you already showed me this video." I was finally able to get her on her feet and asked the women of my dreams to be mine forever and she said "YES!" immediately. We spent the next 30-40 minutes just soaking in the moment alone. We walked to dinner where her parents along with my mom were sitting waiting to celebrate with us, mission accomplished!

Pat and Steph have always dreamed about having an intimate wedding where their closest family and friends could enjoy themselves just as much as the bride and groom. The soon-to-be newlyweds want their guests to feel like they can have an experience of their own and enable them make a mini tropical vacation out of it if they want to. Luckily, Pat and Steph found the perfect spot right on the beach in Pompano Beach to host their wedding weekend festivities, which is at a resort called the Beachcomber. Not only does the Beachcomber provide the tropical enclave vibes that Pat and Steph were looking for, but it is also the same exact beach where Steph's father, Bruce, met her mother, Eileen, when they were just 18 years old. As the story goes, Bruce strolled up to Eileen's beach towel and sat down on it while Eileen was in the water. When Eileen returned to her towel, she found a long-haired surfer dude on it wanting to strike up a conversation... and the rest was history. And now, 45 years later, Pat and Steph get to share this special place with all their loved ones. Getting married in Steph's hometown also means that Steph and Pat are able to be married at the same Catholic Church that Steph's mom and dad, sister and brother-in-law, and uncle and aunt got married at. Steph's Grandma was also a beloved and devoted parishioner of Saint Coleman's Catholic Church so it's a sentimental place kept close to the hearts of many.