Patrick and Andrea first met in the least scandalous way possible: a handshake. At the time, no one present would have predicted romance, passion, or a future involving wedding planning spreadsheets. Soon after, Patrick began calling Andrea daily. Andrea assumed these calls were strictly about work and answered them with professional efficiency. Patrick would discuss business, then casually attempt flirting. Andrea responded by ignoring the tone entirely, redirecting the conversation with impressive professionalism, Olympic-level denial, and zero emotional participation.

Eventually, they saw each other again, and Andrea quietly revised her position. She liked him. A lot. The calls continued every single day, long distance and uninterrupted, becoming the most consistent part of both their routines. In Spring 2025, the words “I love you” officially entered the record, permanently changing the tone of those once-professional phone calls.

Patrick expressed his affection with intention and creativity. He made Andrea a playlist filled with all her favorite ’90s songs, wrote her a song on his guitar, and left handwritten love notes around his apartment for her to find when she visited. They spent hours walking around the LSU campus, talking about everything and nothing, and Patrick planned thoughtful dates that included the best Italian food Louisiana had to offer.

When Patrick visited Andrea in Florida, the romance continued. They walked along the beach, explored places Andrea had never been, and somehow every date felt better than the last. Even from afar, Patrick made sure Andrea was taken care of, sending DoorDash so she was never hungry and smoothies and medicine when she was sick, reminding her she was never alone.

Patrick also showed his love through actions - helping with work, cleaning Andrea’s home, and constantly looking for ways to make her life easier. Shortly thereafter, Patrick relocated from Baton Rouge to Florida, secured a new job, and began planning a proposal.

Five months later, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, the plan was executed flawlessly. A beautifully planned weekend followed, facts were confirmed, and an engagement announced. Now, just six months away, a wedding is scheduled. They see each other almost every day, and their love has never wavered. The handshake was misleading, the flirting was intentional, and this story is approved for lifelong publication.