There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.

Like a scene straight out of a romantic comedy, Whitney and Patrick first met at a restaurant on the sandy shores of Lake Tahoe in the summer of 2015. Whitney was sitting with some girlfriends when an outgoing mustached stranger approached their table, asking “would you ladies like to meet some police officers?” The girls laughed, and as Whitney was politely declining the invitation, up walks Patrick wearing a pair of ladies underwear over his SFPD baseball uniform! Needless to say, it was a conversation starter. They chatted for a bit, had a few laughs and then said goodbye, both charmed by the other. Luckily, and unbeknownst to Whitney, Patrick managed to sneakily call himself from her phone and then save her number. Over the months, they exchanged texts and phones calls, getting to know each other and building an incredible friendship. One year later, they went on their very first date…

Thinking about where it all started, the place that changed their lives forever, Patrick knew he wanted to propose to Whitney in Tahoe. His plan was to pop the question on the beach in front of The Beacon, wherethey met. But like all best laidplans, things quickly went awry. The beach was filled with families, music & children playing all around them. This was not the romantic scene he had envisioned for this moment, so he quickly decided to propose at dinner that night instead. Back at the hotel and getting ready for dinner,Whitney couldn’t help but notice how strange Patrick had been acting all day. His calm, easy-going nature had turned into nervous laughs and curious behavior. She watched amused as he changed into his “niceshirt” and laughed again when he said she should wear a dress, as fashionchoices were not his strong point. On the way to dinner he suggested they walk along the beach. It took several attempts but She reluctantly agreed. As they walked,she took in the beautiful scenery of tall bright green trees, a lake glittering with pinks, and golds of the sunset above, and the man she loves walking beside her, her mood was lifted. Justkidding, hungry & annoyed she trailed along slowly behind him, complaining of dirty feet and the bread basket they were surely missing out on if they were late for their reservations. He spot a bench overlooking the water, he knew this was the perfect spot to propose, but of course it was taken! Undeterred, Patrick used his Police de-escalation tactics on Whitney’s growingsuspicion and annoyance until the bench opened up and they satdown. Finally the moment arrived. Patrick excitedly told Whitney that they weren’t herefor merely a weekend getaway, that he had brought her here for something much more special. He told her howmuch he loved her & he couldn’t wait to be married, have a family and live the rest of their lives together. Kneeling, Patrick asked Whitney to be his wife. With tears in both their eyes, she said “Yes!”