We're getting married!

We met through social media when we were both 16, starting our junior year of high school. Even though we grew up just 15 minutes apart, we went to different schools—Hannah in Leesburg and Patrick at a school in Maryland for basketball. We started texting and FaceTiming, and every conversation felt so fun and easy. Eventually, we went on our first in person date on a weekend that he was home, and from there, we kept making time to see each other whenever we could. And that was just the beginning!

When college came, we ended up 2.5 hours apart—Virginia Tech and Hampden-Sydney. Though the distance was tough, we took turns visiting every few weeks, and it helped us grow individually. We each had our own college experiences, and it was so fun visiting each other and seeing the different lives we were building. In the end, it made our relationship stronger and more meaningful!

After graduating in May, we got engaged on August 1st—National Girlfriend Day. We still laugh about how Patrick chose that day to make the ultimate move. During a photoshoot with one of my friends, he asked me to marry him, and of course, I said yes! It was simple, personal, and perfect, and we were both so excited to start the next chapter together.

Our next chapter started with a big move to Austin, Texas, where Patrick is attending law school at UT Austin. After six years of being apart for school and life, we’re finally together without the distance. We packed up and moved into our first apartment together, and it’s been an exciting new phase. We’re loving life as an engaged couple—enjoying every moment and planning our wedding!! We are so excited for everything ahead.