While we tell most people that we met while sitting next to one another at church, there is actually a small bit of backstory that starts the day before.

Each of our friends had invited us to a pickleball tournament one weekend in South Carolina. Patrick went with friends from church, and Katie went with a group of girls.

"I specifically remember being introduced to Patrick; he was partnered with another girl who was there, so I assumed they were together and didn't give it a second thought. After the day wrapped up, a bunch of us went to get dinner afterward. He was sitting at one end of the table, with his pickleball partner nowhere to be found. I sent a handful of texts to my friend, who happened to be sitting across from him, asking them to get his number. My excuse was that he seemed like he wanted to make friends, and I wanted to invite him in! The friend pulled through, and got me his number to keep in my back pocket to pursue when the time was right." - Katie

"The day after the pickleball tournament, two of my friends and I went to a church service a little outside of town. I remember seeing Katie come in, recognizing her from looking so fine from pickleball the day before, and waved her to sit in our section. I lucked out in the fact that we sat by each other, only introducing ourselves when the pastor requested us to do so. It was an instant connection! I noticed she had some friends with her, so I asked her to join me and my buddies for lunch at a brewery nearby. They all love the idea and we spent the afternoon listening to some live music and making eyes at each other from opposite ends of the table.

I wasn't sure how to play it, meaning I thought there was no shot she was interested in me, so my first message to her was an invite to train for an upcoming 10k, meaning meeting up to go running together. If I remember correctly, Katie's response was something along the lines of, "I won't join you for a run, but I will gladly join you for a walk with coffee." - Patrick

"Four days later, we met for our first date at Sunrise Park, this tiny, hidden beach, way before the sun had come up. Looking back now I cannot believe I willingly met with a stranger deep into a park in pitch black! Patrick arrived with coffee in hand, and we walked the beach, giggled, and got to know each other until I had to go to work. I immediately was so into him, with so much anxious energy that I ended the date with a high five. LAME! I went to work straight after and told my coworkers I was in love and just had the best date of my life!" - Katie

"Pursuing Katie was one of the most special times. We have always had so much fun together, and continue to do so. We started dating a month later after many intentional dates and conversations together. I can't wait for us to grow old together and continue to fall in love with one another over and over again." - Patrick

Registry