In September of 2012, Laura had just moved from Portland, Oregon to the small town of Americus, GA with hopes of completing the Nursing program at Georgia Southwestern State University. It was an emotional time having moved alone across the country but making friends in the program helped. Patrick was one of those people and they became quick friends - always at the same gatherings though always admiring each other from a safe distance. In the Spring of 2014, that all changed when Patrick and Laura realized their similar feelings for each other and have been together ever since. Throughout their relationship they have been on many adventures including visiting 12 States (Oregon, Washington, California, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) and 2 trips out of the U.S. to Ireland and, recently, British Columbia as well as attending countless friend's weddings. Now, they continue to spend their time traveling for work and planning their own wedding.

Last September, 2017, Patrick planted the seed via his brother, Alan for a trip to the Pacific Northwest. He had Alan, who had wanted to run a marathon, tell Laura that he wanted to travel for his big run and what a better place than Seattle? Months later, the date was set for the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon and plane tickets were purchased for a visit to Laura's home. It was the perfect ploy of Patrick wanting to support his brother and for Laura to visit family. Laura flew in a week before and visited with family before Patrick and Alan met her in Portland. On the way to Seattle from Portland, Patrick told Laura he wanted to stop at Reflection Lake on Mt. Rainer. Laura thought nothing of it since Alan was with them. It was the most perfect, overcast, typical "Oregon" day and the perfect place for Patrick to propose and, of course, Laura said Yes! Arriving in Seattle they were able to share the news and celebrate with with close friends and family whom often feel far away.