In 2001, Katie and Pat met for the first time in Mrs. Block's Pre-K class. Katie was shy and quiet, while Pat was energetic and outgoing. As Pat would put it, he was one of "those kids" who's behavior made Katie anxious, so they would not connect until much later

In 2005, Katie moved away to Tokyo, Japan, where she would live for almost 8 years.

Right before sophomore year of high school, her family moved back to Chatham. She decided to join Youth Ministry at St. Patrick's to deepen her faith (*meet boys*). On a couple retreats, She had the pleasure of reconnecting with a fluffy haired goofball (Pat). By Senior year, the two became better friends and spent more and more time together.

Soon, the two could not spend enough time together, and started dating

They started dating the summer after senior year when the two were going to school 500 miles apart. Their timing was....not so perfect.

With Katie at Notre Dame and Pat at Duquesne, the two kept their love alive through many long hours on FaceTime and thousands of miles of visits.

After 5 long years apart, the two moved to NYC to finally be in the same city!

Nearly 8 years later, Pat had enough and decided it was time. He spoke with the family and came up with a plan.

Pat took Katie to the swankiest restaurant that Chatham has, then suggested a long walk home (read: 1.5 miles). After the walk, he proposed at the spot where they first kissed.