It was the second semester of my senior year at Saint Louis University-Madrid. My friends and I were on a roll of going out three nights a week, staying out until the metro would open again (6 AM - shout-out to Charlotte and Cristina). One night, a group of us were excited to be going to a '20s themed party, but I decided that was not how I was going to spend my night. Of course instead of turning in early, I ventured into the nearest bar in Malasaña where I crashed a birthday party and made friends with a nice group of Spaniards. Finally, I decided I probably shouldn't be alone at a bar with ​​stranger​s​, so I went down the stairs to leave the bar only to be greeted by a great big hug. I had no idea who was embracing me, but he introduced me to his friends and the night continued (sounds like the beginning of ​​Taken, right?). Thankfully there was no kidnapping involved, but rather a fun group of guys enjoying Madrid's nightlife. Lucky for me, Iván was one of those guys. We hit it off immediately (thanks, liquid courage!) and I gave him my phone number. Our first date was a week later... Pro Tip: Experience a night of drunken adventure like we did in Madrid. Explore the famous Malasaña neighborhood (starts at Metro Tribunal) and stumble into Tupperware (the bar where we met). Who knows, you might find your own Spanish love...

In an effort to salvage my reputation, I'm proud to inform you that I am in fact capable of meeting people without depending on social lubricant. Iván asked me on a date the day after we met, but all of that going out and partying caught up to me and I got strep throat (a real excuse, I swear). A week passed and I was feeling better so we met at a hole-in-the-wall bar in Madrid near my house on a Sunday afternoon. I remember getting ready and telling my roommate (Hey, Cristina!) that if I called her it was because I needed an excuse to get out of a very bad date that I should have never agreed to. Fortunately that wasn't the case, and Iván and I had a very pleasant, sober first date. He offered to drive me home, but my motherly instincts kicked in (better late than never, right ​M​om?) and I decided to walk home (two blocks, no biggy). I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed his company, and we began dating for the rest of the semester. Pro Tip: if you want to relive my first date experience while in Madrid, I recommend you visit Bar Las Nieves on Fuencarral near the Quevedo metro. It's quiet, tucked away, and pretty standard as far as generic Spanish bars go, but the tapas are free and the beer is cold!

We started our long distance adventure when I returned to Saint Louis in June 2014 only after having been physically located in the same city for four months. People began asking how we did it. How could we possibly survive that much time apart? People ask that question with a look of awe mixed with horror and confusion, almost like an LDR (long distance relationship) is worse than being diagnosed with a terminal illness. However, that is not the case! Yes, distance relationships are difficult. Yes, they require patience, mutual understanding, trust, and a shared drive to achieve a tangible end goal. But it's worth it. There are way more pros than cons, believe me! I was able to visit Spain eight times since graduating. What a gift! We've traveled a lot and spent a lot of time with family and friends all over the world, but now we are ready to settle down and start our life together in the United States.

If I told you Iván proposed to me in front of a pond with swans effortlessly floating under the moonlit sky near an ancient monastery reminiscent of the vieja España, you would swoon with big eyes and wonder if this is real life. I know because I had the same reaction. While Ivan and I both knew we would be formally getting engaged while I was in Spain in September, he made the moment so special by recreating an American tradition that most Spaniards don't include in their pre-wedding festivities. It was a perfect evening. Pro Tip: Relive the night of bliss by visiting the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial at sunset, then go for a fancy, authentic Spanish dinner at El Charoles, located in the main plaza of San Lorenzo.