Madison was hanging out with two of her best friends in college, John and Junior, when they told her they wanted to introduce her to one of their new teammates from South Africa. A barefoot, curly-haired boy with an accent walked up and introduced himself. In disbelief that he was really from South Africa, Madison couldn't help but bombard him with questions about his home. He told her stories of giraffes and monkeys living in his neighborhood, but Madison wasn't buying it- so, she asked to see his passport, just to be sure. Little did she know, this playful moment would be the first chapter of their incredible love story. Over time, that inquisitive introduction blossomed into a deep friendship, one that Madison would cherish forever. She, John, Junior, Ruan, and Ruan's good friend Eric- another South African- spent nearly every day together in college, creating unforgettable memories. While some love stories begin with flowers and candlelit dinners, Ruan and Madison's began with a car, some train tracks, a confused dog, and a very close call with an oncoming train.. What was supposed to be a dinner date took a dramatic turn when Ruan took a wrong turn and managed to get Madison's car stuck on the tracks—just as a train was heading straight for them. In a heart-pounding escape, they barely made it out in time, leaving the car to meet its tragic end. The dog was shaken, Madison was deeply reconsidering her life choices, and Ruan? Somehow, against all odds, still convinced her to go on a date. Thank goodness he did, because that near-disaster turned into the adventure of a lifetime. From the States to South Africa and everywhere in between, Ruan and Madison have built a love story full of laughter, adventure, and a shared ability to turn even the most chaotic moments into lifelong memories. Whether it's exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, or binge-watching their favorite shows with the dogs curled up beside them, every moment has been a memory worth keeping. Their story proves that love isn’t just about the perfect moments—it’s about the unexpected ones, the tests of patience along the way, and the unforgettable stories they’ll laugh about for years to come. Now, after a journey spanning countless miles, a few mishaps, and endless unforgettable memories, they’re ready to embark on their next chapter as Mr. & Mrs. Pretorius—hopefully, this time, without any more train-related detours! They can’t wait to celebrate with all of you this November!