We're getting married!

My best friend and roommate, Margaret Tribble (now Sheppard), and I decided to throw a house party to bring friends back together after being apart from the pandemic. Since Margaret's now-husband, Christian, was in town, I suggested he invite his friends too. He reached out to his group, including Patrick, one of his best friends from high school. When Patrick showed up, we quickly hit it off, chatting about everything from whiskey and bourbon to ATVs and outdoor adventures.

After being around each other at house parties, trips to go visit mutual friends and social events, we finally got to get together just ourselves for our first date. Patrick took me to 1920 in downtown Roswell, where we sat at a table in the back room. Sipping on Old Fashions, we talked for hours about ourselves, our likes, our life, goals and wants, and views for our futures. To this day, 1920 remains one of our favorite spots.

Since we started dating, we've made it through concussions, broken fingers & toes, food poisoning, friend trips, each of us getting COVID (at different times), family/friend weddings, job changes, family trips, moving multiple times, holidays, renovating a house, adding a second dog to the mix, and so much more.

Patrick and I took a weekend trip to Blue Ridge, GA, one of our favorite places, and stayed in this beautiful house with the most amazing view! Our second night, we made our favorite dinner at the house and wanted to catch the sunset from the back porch. Patrick asked if I wouldn't mind catching the sunset on camera - which I was so happy for because I am a sucker for photos and brought a tripod! - so I helped him set up the tripod, got a jacket and a glass of wine to stand out on the deck. Completely unaware and enjoying the sunset and colors, I didn't see that Patrick took a knee behind me just as the sun was tucking behind the mountains. The most memorable sunset ever! The question I know everyone is asking - Victoria, did you know it was coming? The honest answer: No, not at all. I was completely oblivious the entire time, just enjoying the time with Patrick and the adventure we were having.