Each needing a change of scenery, Patrick and Kelsey moved from New Jersey and Michigan, respectively, to Columbia, SC in the middle of the pandemic. They happened to land in the same office, and, on the advice of their boss, in the same apartment community.

They formed a friendship immediately, bonding over the culture shock of moving so far from home, a shared love of weeknight margaritas and dirty queso at Cantina on Main St., and repeating Ryan from The OC’s zingers. Eventually, they fell into a relationship and still aren't exactly sure when their anniversary is.

While in South Carolina, they adopted their dogs, Oscar and Poppy, and were adopted themselves by friends who now feel more like family. They are pimento cheese enthusiasts. They say “y’all” unironically.

The soon-to-be Swifts have a habit of surprising each other with concert tickets (Springsteen for Patrick, Goo Goo Dolls for Kelsey), they each love to expand the other's horizons ("real" seafood and classic rock are new to Kelsey, who vows to never choke down another oyster; Patrick discovered casserole and sad indie music, and he tolerates both, assuming the casserole is light on cream of mushroom soup), and they enjoy taking long weekends together to explore new cities.

After a few years in the South, they moved to Michigan, where they live now and are reacclimating to winter. Patrick proposed on Kelsey's birthday at Sleeping Bear Dunes and she said yes with Lake Michigan as their backdrop.

The future Mr. and Mrs. Swift are so honored and grateful for the family and friends in their lives and cannot wait to celebrate their wedding and marriage with them.

We love y'all.

Patrick and Kelsey

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown