The Love Between the Lines

In the bustling halls of Dominican University, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sound of students rushing to and from their classes, there existed a love story unlike any other. Meet Desiree and Ryan, two college sweethearts whose love story is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. Their love story began on a blooming spring day at the university, Ryan had spotted Desiree in one of his classes and he couldn't resist the urge to introduce himself. With dear in his eyes and courage in his heart, he walked over and struck up a conversation with Desiree's classmates. " Charm her friends and I'm in" he thought. His witty remarks and playful banter made an impression on Desiree but she remained stoic about her attraction to Ryan. After that first encounter, Ryan made it his mission to get Desiree to notice him. The plan was simple accidentally run into her around campus offer to help her with things and BAM!!....she'll fall in love with him. So after many car rides, meals together and the occasional " accidental" run-in, Ryan found out that getting Desiree to fall for him was going to take a little more ingenuity.One day Desiree announced that she would be going out of town for a few days. Ryan didn't know how long Desiree would be gone and was afraid that the momentum they had built would be lost. Enter plan B: " The Coloring Book" Knowing that Desiree's favorite movie was Finding Nemo, Ryan came up with a clever idea to give Desiree a coloring book. "I thought it would help in two ways- for one, I thought it would give her something entertaining to do during her flight and second, but most importantly, make her think of me."

Ryan's sweet gesture made Desiree take notice and perhaps, for the first time, see her friendship with Ryan as something more. " He told me he wanted a finished picture by the time I got back. At the time I thought he was nice, harmles and perhaps a little crazy but thoughtful...I was intrigued from that point on." The plan had worked, and from that point on the two were inseperable. Their days were filled with laughter and weekend adventures, family gathering and dinner dates. As their time in college came to an end, Desiree and Ryan knew they had to make a commitment to each other if they were to stay together.Desiree didn't know what was in store for them but had faith in Ryan and their relationship. "We didn't know if we'd be strong enough to keep the relationship going but if anybody would make it work it would be the two for us." And so it was, after many dates over the phone, driving to and from each others hometowns, split holidays and the occasional fight, Desiree and Ryan found themselves even closer and with a better sense of what they wanted. They supported each other through thick and thin, celebrating each other's successes and comforting in times of hardship. As their 20s flew by in a blur, Desiree and Ryan knew that their bond was something special. All the ups and downs were truly worth it. And now, as they announce their upcoming wedding, they look forward to the years to come and the many more memories they will make.