Becca and Patrick’s story began in 2015 when they met at Central Michigan University. Both joined Greek life during the fall semester of their freshman year and became part of the same friend group. Becca quickly became a familiar face around Patrick’s fraternity and was named the fraternity’s Sweetheart in 2017.

In 2019, their friendship began to deepen, and they started spending more time together. Patrick would cook dinner for Becca, and Becca would convince her roommates that it was just something that friends do for each other! The two were inseparable and even went on road trips together (as friends) to Chicago. That February, Patrick asked Becca to be his Valentine over a bottle of wine, and to his dismay, Becca declined his offer. She was sure they were “just friends”.

A month later, they went on Spring Break together in Fort Lauderdale, FL, (as JUST friends) and made sure to make time for a few dinners together alone (again, as JUST friends). After spring break, Becca and Patrick went back to Becca’s hometown of Aurora, and over a Portillo’s chocolate cake, Becca’s mom and sister convinced her that they need to made things official— and this time after Patrick asked, Becca said yes! He officially made it out of the friendzone!

From that point on, Becca and Patrick’s relationship continued to grow and strengthen. Becca graduated in May 2019 and moved back to Chicago to start her career, while Patrick decided to take a victory lap at CMU. This marked the beginning of their long-distance relationship. After Patrick graduated in December 2019, he moved to Columbus, OH, to begin his career, but their commitment to one another remained strong, despite the physical distance between them.

No matter the miles or state boundaries, Becca and Patrick made their relationship a priority. They spoke on the phone or FaceTimed daily, and whenever possible, they visited each other.

Eventually, the couple decided it was time to take the next step in their relationship and moved in together, settling into a brownstone apartment in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Since then, Becca and Patrick have built a life full of memories, raising their two pups, Bella and Charli, and rarely spending more than a few hours apart.

In May 2024, Becca and Patrick visited their favorite winery, Chateau Chantal, in Traverse City, MI, for a casual wine tasting with family. It was here that Patrick got down on one knee and asked Becca to marry him (though no words actually came out of his mouth when it came time to ask).

Through the highs and lows, one thing has remained constant: their unwavering love for each other. As they embark on this next chapter of their lives, they are excited to celebrate with all of you. Safe travels to Northern Michigan, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and let the celebration begin!