Written by Madison but also approved by Patrick...

I think our story is pretty typical. We met during my first year and Patrick's second year of medical school. We were in the same friend group and saw each other around a lot, and we definitely 'made eyes' at each other from across the library once or twice. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Patrick made the move at a friend's crawfish boil and asked if he could cook me dinner (It was chicken parmesan and it's still one of our favorite 'special' meals). From the beginning, we were both smitten. BUT, we were busy medical students. Patrick was studying for his boards and I was taking a difficult class, so we "couldn't be distracted" and were going to "take this slow." Well, if we've both learned one thing in life it's that you can't choose love; love chooses you.

Right from the start we couldn't get enough time with each other and knew within a couple months of dating that the other person was the one. Our relationship grew and flourished. We met each other's families and friends (they all approved, by the way!), made a life together in Little Rock, and started talking about the future.

We talked about engagement often, so I knew it was coming sooner or later. Patrick, of course, had to pop the question when I least expected it, though. After taking my second set of boards (a longgg, 9 hour exam), we went to dinner to celebrate at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock. It was fun and all, but I was tired! Towards the end of dinner, I told Patrick that I didn't feel like doing anything else - I wanted to go home and go to sleep.

If you know Patrick, you know he loves his sleep, so I was shocked when he told me that he wanted to stay for another drink. Still, I didn't think much of it and thought he probably just wanted me to celebrate after taking my test. We ordered another drink, and Patrick suggested we go to the hotel balcony to drink it and take a picture. Okayyyy, when has he ever been the one to suggest taking a picture? I grudgingly agree, and he leads me upstairs and towards the balcony overlooking downtown.

As we walk toward the doors, I notice all these signs that say "closed for private event." And, I could tell that the balcony was clearly set up for someone else - flowers, champagne, etc. I kept telling Patrick that we needed to leave because we were ruining someone's moment. Honestly - how did I not see what was going on?! Finally, he turned to me and said, "This is for us." He got down on one knee, I started hyperventilating, and he asked me to be his wife.