Unbreakable bonds: Bit by bit, an unlikely pairing clicked into place

By Anastasia Mineiro

Ashawnna and Patrick Godette Jr. first locked eyes as juniors at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. Sparks did not fly. 

Ashawnna was an extrovert majoring in marketing with a concentration in product and brand management. Patrick, a biology major, was more introverted. They both were part of a living-learning program at VCU that focused on community engagement.

They met one day when Patrick’s roommates brought Ashawnna to their dorm room. Patrick recalls saying hello to her and then promptly going back to studying. After that initial meeting, they would see each other here and there.

“Her outgoing personality was the complete opposite of my introverted self,” Patrick said. “Once I got used to her volume level, I noticed how sweet and caring she actually was.” 

It wasn’t until almost a year later that their story truly began. Ashawnna was taking her graduation photos around Snead Hall and the Compass. She and a friend had run into Patrick in front of Cabell Library, and Patrick remarked nonchalantly “I can’t wait to see how your grad photos turn out.” 

It was such a small moment, Ashawnna said. “But it stuck with me — and I felt something there.”

A couple months after graduation, they were hanging out with their group of friends when Ashawnna overheard that one of Patrick’s favorite songs was by the Foreign Exchange. “I already found Patrick attractive, but realizing we shared the same love for music — and a passion for volunteering — made me see that there was something truly special between us,” she said.

On New Year’s Day of 2018, Patrick texted Ashawnna to see if she wanted to go to the movies. 

“I wasn’t sure she’d say yes because we never hung out outside of the friend group,” he said. “Plus, I had no idea if I was her type, aside from being interested in the same music.” 

Ashawnna was a little hesitant at first because she only knew him as a friend. 

“I remember talking to my mom about it, and she asked, ‘Well, are you interested in him?’ I said yes, and she replied, ‘Well then, go for it!’ I’m so glad I did,” she said.

They saw “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on their first date followed by dinner, and by the end of the night the pair realized they had much more in common than they anticipated. And they both knew they had found the one. 

“Before we spent time together one-on-one, I wasn’t sure if it would work since I’m an extrovert and Patrick is very introverted,” Ashawnna said. “When I first met him, he didn’t say much — but once I got to know him, everything clicked.” 

Patrick felt the same. 

From there, everything fell into place for the Godettes. They got married in June 2023, adopted their goldendoodle, Cairo, in 2024 and welcomed a baby girl in October 2025.

The couple shared some advice for those who are looking for their partner in life.

“Be open and willing to truly get to know someone — even if you’re not sure at first that they’re ‘the one,’” Ashawnna said. “Take a chance, step outside your comfort zone.”

And, Patrick shared, “Be yourself. You never know if your future wife is there. You might even know her as someone else.”