The Cloth Mill at Eno River

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Patrick and Katie met in January of 2015 when Katie got in to the a cappella group Patrick was already a part of, Psalm 100. In the fall of 2015, Patrick became the music director of Psalm 100 and asked Katie and another member to be assistant music directors beneath him, thus creating a friendship that hadn't quite existed before. Their love for Jesus and for music is what drew them to each other. They remained friends until January 2016, when Patrick confessed his feelings for Katie and she, much to his surprise, felt the same! Patrick took Katie on their first date on January 17, 2016 to a restaurant in Wilmington, called The Oceanic, complete with stargazing, hand-holding and coffee. They made it official on April 5, 2016, after a couple of months of dating and gleaning wisdom from their friends and family. They dated until April 14, 2017, when Patrick proposed to Katie on her back porch in Colorado. They continue to strive to love each other and those around them with a love modeled after the great love they both receive from God on a daily basis, and hope to learn more about this in marriage!

Our Story

Patrick and I talked about getting engaged for several months before it actually happened. I knew when Patrick got the ring and suspected that the proposal would be happening sometime soon afterwards, but didn't know exactly when. I flew home to Colorado to spend Easter weekend with my family on April 13th, and right before, I confessed to Patrick that I was suspicious he would show up unannounced and propose to me while I was with my family. Patrick quickly convinced me otherwise, and I somehow believed him and put the idea to rest. On Friday, April 14th, after spending a day with my mom and sisters, I arrived back home around 6:30, walked through the front door and saw a small chalkboard sign directing me to go upstairs, put on a nice dress, and not leave my room until 7:00. It took me a moment to process that these instructions were for me, that they were from Patrick, and that I was likely getting engaged! My mom and sisters left the house, I went upstairs, tried to catch my breath, changed, and then at 7:10 (Patrick pushed all the times back by 10 minutes), I went to the next station outside of her room, where a table was covered in pictures of and Patrick and me throughout our relationship, as well as letters I had written him both in friendship and dating. I got to take some time to relive old memories and old feelings until I went to the next station, where the dining room table was covered in letters from each of both Patrick and my family members, telling me why they were excited Patrick and I were getting engaged and joining families. After reading through all of the letters (with plenty of tears, might I add), I went to the next station, where Patrick had written me a letter, explaining that yes, we were getting engaged, and that he had missed his flight to get to Colorado that morning to add to the drama of the engagement (he got on another flight so it all worked out but it was pretty stressful for him!). I then picked up a bouquet of flowers by the door and walked up the stairs to the back porch, where there were market lights hanging, candles burning, and lots of flowers overlooking a dusky Denver city and Rocky Mountain skyline. After a few minutes, Patrick walked outside looking so handsome in a navy suit with his guitar, and we sang "My Love" together, a song that we have held very dearly throughout our relationship. At the end of the song, he surprised me with a verse and chorus he had written himself, and then he had me stand up and he proposed! It was beautiful and I soaked up every second of it. I was so surprised, happy, and excited! We then went to Chick-fil-a for dinner and celebrated with my family afterwards! It was by far the sweetest night of my life and I will cherish it for the rest of my life!

The Proposal: Katie's Perspective

I didn't originally plan to propose to Katie on this day, actually. I had planned on doing it on Sunday, April 23rd, at one of our favorite spots, Fearrington Village. I had it planned out to the tiniest detail - dinner at our favorite restaurant, coffee at our favorite coffee shop, proposal in the gardens, and a party after that with our families and friends. But as I've learned over the years, sometimes God just has a different plan, and it really is always better. Katie, being the CIA detective that she is when it comes to this stuff, figured out the exact date and location of what I was planning. So I had two options: I could try to surprise her with the details of the proposal or I could try to surprise her with something else altogether. If you know anything about me, you know that I'm not a great performer, so I put my money on the second option.On April 14th, I "woke up" at 3:30 AM to catch my flight in Raleigh. I put that in quotations because I really didn't sleep because I was so nervous. I've never loved someone this much and I wanted to make the day special for her, and I was nervous that I would do something wrong, say something wrong...you know, the usual things that people say to themselves when they really care about someone. I got to the airport an hour and a half before my boarding time, and due to it being Easter weekend, I missed my first flight. I had my dialogue planned out for the customer service lady - "look, I'm proposing to my girlfriend today and she will never let me live this down if I miss this flight you don't understand she will have the upper hand in every argument ever" - but before I had to go there, she put me on another flight. If I had an MVP trophy to give that day, it would have gone to her. So my layover in Detroit turned into a layover in Minneapolis, but I ended up getting to Denver on time. Troy, Katie's dad, picked me up and after a quick bro hug, we went to lunch. We had already talked about the idea of a proposal a lot, so we mainly just talked about life and how excited we were, and he gave me some solid advice on the more challenging parts of getting married at a younger age. If one thing is true about Troy Spring, it's that he loves his family. For the rest of the afternoon, Troy and I bought lots of flowers, candles, and other decorations, and we set up the house as we listened to music. When it came time, I went into the room where I planned to hide and I locked the door. Words can't express how nervous I was when I heard Katie enter the house. I paced back and forth so many times that my pacing distance probably could have covered the state of Colorado. It was time for me to open the door and meet her on the porch, so I did. Katie looked beautiful, as she always does, and seeing her calmed me down. We sang our song together, then I asked her to be my wife and she said yes. Then we hugged, kissed, and naturally, went to Chick-fil-A. We even got the we-just-got-engaged discount with some free cookies. After that, we got to hang out with her family and friends. I will most definitely always cherish the time I got to spend with Katie and her family that day!

THE PROPOSAL: PATRICK'S PERSPECTIVE

The ring and being together is not the ultimate prize by any means! What's additionally so special about marriage is what it symbolizes. It's a symbol of both of our promises to stay true and loyal to each other. Our choice to love the other even when it's hard to (and vice versa). Marriage is a symbol of Christ and the church, or Christ and us, where we are beautifully, selflessly, and recklessly pursued in which we respond with humble submission and adoration. Christ loves you and me so much that he humbled himself to live a perfect life on this earth that none of us can live and at the end of his life, died a cruel and humiliating death on a cross, taking on all our sin and all our shame. THIS is the kind of love that we crave, that we search for high and low. Marriage is merely meant to be a reflection and symbol of this love, and Patrick and I hope to spend our lives pushing the other into that love and sharing it with everyone we meet! Neither of us are perfect by any means, nor can we love each other perfectly even though we both crave that (and receive that from Christ only). Fundamentally a Christian marriage is to bring two people together in a union designed to help point the other towards Christ through discipleship, accountability, and encouragement. As long as we are both pursuing Christ first, we are as a result going to love each other more, we are going to be faced with each other's sin even more as we are forced to be more vulnerable in that sense, and in return we will learn to give even more grace, just as Christ does with us. The more we know Christ the more we realize how broken we are, the more grace we accept from Him, and the more we grow to know, love, and depend on God.During engagement we have already learned so much about healthy growing pains, more of what it looks like to challenge the other to be more like Christ and how marriage reflects the Church's relationship to God. It's been crazy fun to be making our dream a reality, and to start to get a better picture of what it will look like to live life alongside each other. We are incredibly blessed to have found each other and to be not only in love, but best friends and a brother/sister in Christ. MARRIAGE, HERE WE COME!

Long-Term Goals

Our Wedding

Details

Photos

Registry

Matthew became best friends with Patrick before they knew how to read or ride a bike. From eating ice cream on the curb as kids to helping each other through life's struggles, they have always been there for each other. Even though he is taller than him now, Matthew will always be Patrick's little brother. He is currently a senior at Appalachian State University, and is majoring in Public Relations. 

Matthew Amos

Mikayla is Katie's younger sister, and boy is she fun! She is spunky, sassy, brave, kind, intelligent, passionate, beautiful, and kind. While they fought a lot as kids, Mikayla has been such a blessing to Katie as a sister and is always there for an encouraging word, sassy banter, or good discussion (probably about hockey). She will be a first-year at the University of North Texas this year, and is definitely going to take it by storm!

Mikayla Spring

Nathan became best friends with Patrick when he got into the same a cappella group, Psalm 100. Don't be scared by his tall stature and good looks, because Nate is really just a big teddy bear. Whether it is through taking the time to listen, or staying the night to make sure things are ok, Nathan always seeks to be a reflection of Jesus. He is currently a senior at UNC and is majoring in Media Production.

Nathan Funderburg

Kassie is Katie's 16-year-old baby sister, and is sugary sweet. She is gentle, patient, mature, incredibly weird at times, and is an excellent listener. Kassie may seem quiet at first, but once you get to know her, you will see a person of great depth and color. She will be a junior in high school this year (ouch!) and loves spending time with her friends, photography, singing, and colorguard. 

Kassie Spring

Reagan is Katie's amazing sister-in-law! They met when Katie was in the eighth grade and Reagan was a sophomore in high school, and have grown in their friendship and now sisterhood through rides home from track practice, coffee dates, and chats on family vacations. Reagan married Katie's brother, Tyler, in June 2016, and is one of the most caring, patient, kind, genuine, and fun-loving people anyone will ever have the privilege of meeting!

Reagan Spring

Michael is Patrick's older brother, and has always been his mentor. Michael is patient, kind, and humble, and strives to share the love of Jesus with everyone he meets. He is currently in his surgery residency at UNC.

Michael Williford

Lisa is Patrick's older sister, and Katie's soon-to-be sister-in-law! Lisa is a hardworking and successful lawyer with two adorable cat babies. She loves running, her family and friends, and is one of the most driven and determined people out there!

Lisa Arthur

Michael is the husband of Patrick's sister, Lisa, and has known Patrick since he was a little kid. Michael is funny, hardworking, and goes to great lengths to make people smile. From playing golf with Patrick to taking him out to eat just to make him feel better, Michael has always made Patrick feel like his younger brother. He is currently a financial analyst in Greensboro, NC. 

Michael Arthur

Tyler is Katie's older brother. He is kind, goofy, and will always make you feel important. Tyler has always made Patrick feel like a part of the Spring family, from inviting him into his home and going on double dates to talking about the harder parts of life. Tyler is currently working as  a civil engineer in the Raleigh-Durham area. 

Tyler Spring

Katherine is Patrick's sister-in-law who is kind, considerate, compassionate, patient, strong and steadfast. She is a Christian counselor and loves, as she explained upon first meeting Katie, "swimming in the deep end" with people. Katherine loves her work, loves people, and loves her family!

Katherine Williford

Mandy has been Katie's roommate for over two years and is one of the most steadfast, genuine, and loving people Katie knows. Mandy knows Katie incredibly well and always makes her feel loved, known, and encouraged. Mandy's heart for the Lord and for other people is huge and she demonstrates God's love on a daily basis to everyone she meets. She is a senior at UNC and has so much ahead of her!

Mandy Spalding

Cooper and Patrick became friends in middle school, but they became best friends when they moved in together on the first day of college at UNC. Cooper is smart, humble, and patient, and has always taken the time to make sure Patrick feels loved and cared for. Cooper recently graduated from UNC with a major in Economics and  is currently in the process of applying to medical school. 

Cooper Blazek

Kelsey is one of Katie's sweet sweet friends who happened into Katie's life a little over a year ago! Kelsey transferred to UNC for the 2016-2017 school year and they met through Mandy - Katie was instantly attracted to Kelsey's warm and inviting demeanor, her love for the Lord and her friends, and the wisdom she was and still is overflowing with! Kelsey is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill and hopes to go into ministry after college.

Kelsey Cassell

Chris became best friends with Patrick when he got into the same a cappella group, Psalm 100. Chris is bold, wise, and loves to tell people that they are loved and cared for. He has always taken the time to listen to Patrick, and has helped Patrick become better at telling people about Jesus. Chris is currently a senior at UNC, and is in the  Media &amp; Journalism school.

Chris Cannady

Zack became best friends with Patrick in middle school when they met at their church youth group. Since then, Zack has been persistent in making sure Patrick is doing ok and constantly seeks out quality time with him. Zack is currently a senior at NC State and will graduate in December with a Business degree.

Zack Douglas

Katie met Maggie when they both got into Psalm 100 during the same round of auditions and she has since become a friend, confidant, supporter, edifier, and encourager in Katie's life. Maggie is vibrant, honest, kind, knowledgeable of the Word, and loves Jesus intensely. She has a heart for those with special needs and is currently working as a cap worker for a company called A Small Miracle while she works toward her goal of becoming a special education teacher.

Maggie Fahey

Katie met Carolina Grace (otherwise known as CG) when she joined Psalm 100. CG made Katie felt instantly welcome, as she is known to do for almost everyone she meets. She is hands-down one of the best listeners, and walks with incredible patience and humility, leading Katie to frequently turn to her for advice, support, and comfort throughout their friendship. She has a heart for the oppressed and seeing justice exist on this earth! CG currently works for SignUpGenius in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Carolina Grace Kennedy

Trent became best friends with Patrick in high school, when they bonded at their high school track meets. Trent was suitemates with Patrick for his freshman year at UNC and lived with him senior year as well. Trent is intentional, kind, and goofy, and has always made Patrick feel loved and listened to. He is currently in the process of applying to PA school.

Trent Gabriel

Katie met Carlee in Psalm 100 and they got partnered together to meet up every week just to check in with each other, talk about the Lord, and work through sticky and messy parts of life. Through this, Katie found Carlee to be incredibly loving, vulnerable, encouraging, wise, fun, goofy, and full of joy! She is so so refreshing to be around. Carlee is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill hoping to major in business.

Carlee Powell

Sam became best friends with Patrick when they got into their a cappella group, Psalm 100, together freshman year, and has lived with Patrick since his sophomore year. Sam is faithful, wise, and kind, and has always sought to remind others, especially Patrick, of where their real worth lies. Sam is currently in graduate school at UNC for English.

Sam Weeks

Katie has known Jacey since she was a wee newborn in the hospital, and she is now a grown-up seven year old! Jacey is so spunky and strong, but she likes to play shy at first. Katie can't wait to have Jacey help introduce her as she walks down the aisle!

Jacelyn Rose Hockman

Katie has known Morgan since he was a newborn, and he is now a super grown-up 8 years old (almost 9!). Morgan is silly, loves music and adventures, and demonstrates a lot of maturity! Katie and Patrick both can't wait to have him a part of their special day!

Morgan Hockman

Katie has known Gracie since she was newborn as well! Gracie is also full of spunk, sass, joy, and maturity at a whopping eight years old, and is always so fun to spend time with. Katie can't wait to have Gracie help present her on her wedding day!

Gracie Rabon

Wedding Party

Q + A

RDU airport is the closest airport to our wedding venue (just 30 minutes away!) and nearby are several hotel choices as mentioned above. Rent a car for the weekend or grab an Uber to the Cloth Mill.If you do choose to rent a car, there is plenty of complimentary parking at the wedding venue.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Get a feel for the college town where Patrick and Katie met by staying right in the heart of it! The Hampton Inn &amp; Suites in Carrboro/Chapel Hill is providing us with a special rate of $135.00 per night for a suite with one king bed, and $115.00 per night for a room with two queen beds. There is an additional $10.00 charged per night for parking, but feel free to contact either Katie or Patrick for advice on free parking in the area! Follow the link to the website below to reserve a room.

Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Carrboro

If RDU does not work for your flight, feel free to fly in to Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, which is about an hour from The Cloth Mill.

Piedmont Triad International Airport

Travel

One of our favorite places on earth! Walk around the beautiful campus of the university where we met with its historic buildings, forests, and beautiful Carolina blue skies!

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

It may be Christmastime, but locally made ice cream at Maple View Farms is always in season! The scenery is beautiful even in the winter, overlooking rolling country that goes for miles. Some of our best memories have been made eating ice cream cones while watching the sun set on the porch of Maple View, and we hope you love it just as much!

Maple View Farm

Arguably our favorite coffee shop in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area, grab yourself a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to keep yourself warm and caffeinated! The wifi is normally pretty spotty, but the coffee and the atmosphere are both well worth it!

Looking Glass Cafe

Another favorite study spot of ours, equipped with great breakfast, lunch, and dinner, free coffee refills and a cozy, marketplace-inspired atmosphere with a well-cured farm-to-table menu!

The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering

The Carolina Inn is a beautiful hotel located right on the fringes of UNC's campus and is always decorate so beautifully for Christmas! Stop by to participate in their Twelve Days of Christmas or have a bite to eat at their restaurant, Crossroads Chapel Hill.

The Carolina Inn

Fearrington Village is a mixed-use community located on farmland dating back to the 18th century in Pittsboro, North Carolina, hosting homes, two restaurants, a hotel, a book store, a bar, a spa, and lots of cute furry animals! The Granary in Fearrington Village is one of Katie and Patrick's favorite nice date spots, and the romantic lighting of the village keeps them coming back to relive old memories and enjoy time with each other! Stop by just to look around or to eat some delicious (and somewhat pricy) food!

Fearrington Village

Jordan Lake is another one of Katie and Patrick's favorite date spots - they came many nights to build a fire, sing songs, and stargaze! Even in the winter, the scenery is calm and beautiful, and worth enduring the cold if you can figure out how to build a fire!

Patrick & Katie

Patrick & Katie

Photos