Sandra & Pat in Boston, MA

During their four years at Boston College, Sandra and Pat crossed paths a number of times, but it wasn't until their senior year that a friendship developed. Pat was immediately interested in something more, but I was cautious not to ruin our friendship, remembers Sandra. But Pat's persistence paid off, and Sandra finally agreed to go on a date with him. It was the smartest thing I ever did, she says. The Bride Sandra Schmidt, 26, investor relations officer The Groom Patrick (Pat) Coombs, 26, sports marketing The Date August 10 Nearly four years later, on a weekend trip to visit Sandra's parents in Maine, Pat suggested that the two take a drive to the beach after dinner. There, sitting on a piece of driftwood, he proposed.