Their love story as told by Pat:

To the outsider (probably including Lesya), the start to our relationship is more plodding than it is magical. Let’s just say that Lesya was slightly less than somewhat interested, where eighteen year old Patrick, having bummed his way through high school with one curtsey ride after another, immediately registered for Behind the Wheel upon becoming interested in Lesya. After all, my charm (read: persistence) was eventually going to pay off and she was going to be my girlfriend. At the time, her being my girlfriend was all I could have hoped for.

Sometime before Lesya and I first met I had asked Gracie, Lesya’s best friend and now bridesmaid, to let me know when Lesya was single again. She did around February of 2006 – it had to have been February because the winter Olympics were on and my parents were curious as to why I took a sudden liking to all the Russian Olympic events.

Robert, our wedding officiant, set up a double date so that Lesya and I could officially meet and the night before, Lesya called me to talk. She said, “So . . . you like soccer?” I think I said “yes” and she proceeded to tell me that she was tired and would be going to be bed. That’s what I call “Mind Games 101” because I was TERRIFIED when I showed up the next day with her at the movie theaters — but not terrified enough to not wear shorts (remember, it was February) and Birkenstock clogs. We went and saw “Failure to Launch,” one of Matthew’s more underrated performances but, of course, littered with moments that would make any thespian jealous. I tried to talk to Lesya during the previews (and, as she has come to find out, I LOVE previews). She shushed me and I had the next hour plus to think of what I would say to her next.

We then went to Guadalajara, the ever changing Mexican restaurant on Granby Street. She ordered a chicken enchilada and I ordered the same – she did not like that one bit. I was so nervous I can promise you I didn’t hear her order.

Her mom was set to pick her up after dinner (yeah, we were that young) at the mall so I walked her back and, along the way, she asked for my jacket. It was cold (and, remember, I was wearing shorts). Begrudgingly, I lent her my jacket. She put her hand in my jacket pocket and reached into a stick of used gum I had stuffed in there prior to meeting her (I was eighteen and a guy, people!). I like to say since that moment she was stuck!

But, in all honesty, it was a GRUELING three months before she finally gave in to me. There are many things I wish I could tell my eighteen year old self not to do. For example, don’t shoot cars with paintball guns. However, for all the stupid acts of my former self, that three months of persistence literally set up the rest of what has been, and I know will be, an amazing life with the only girl I have ever loved.

Venue | Mount Ida Farm — The Lodge

Dress | Madison James

Florals | Floral Designs by Jacqueline

Hair + Makeup | Charlottesville Makeup Artist

Planning | Helen Osinga

Band | Sam Hill Entertainment

Videographer | Drew Precious

Cake | Sweethaus

Catering | The Local

Bridesmaid Attire | Azazie

Ceremony Music | Huberto Sales

Rentals | MS Events