It was December 1, 2012. Maria was making her annual pilgrimage over to the Sigma Chi Fraternity House to watch yet another SEC Championship game that did not involve the Gators. (An aside: the Gators weren't playing because Jordan Reed dropped a touchdown pass in the game against UGA, forfeiting UF’s chance at an SEC Championship spot. Even though this event took place in October 2012, and really does not have much to do with her relationship, Maria insists that this is an important part of her story. People don’t forget.) She arrived at the Sigma Chi House, Publix sub in tow, ready to yell profanities at the television set along with the brothers. By chance, Maria sat next to a tall, slender fellow named Ryan. The two hit it off instantly and even ended up sharing that Pub-Sub. After one bite, Ryan told Maria that he loved her for the first time. How romantic! The night ended with Maria insulting the entire sport of soccer to Ryan’s face (a lifelong soccer player), but more importantly, a UGA loss. Although it seemed to be love-at-first-sandwich, the couple did not see each other again until January 2013. The two ran into each other at Gainesville’s finest establishment: Balls. After dancing, drinking, and surely some meaningful conversation, Ryan invited Maria back to the Sigma Chi House. He claimed that there was a puppy at the house (bold move, Ryan.) Everyone knows that Maria loves dogs more than she should, so she gladly accepted the invitation. Now, I am not entirely sure if the two ever saw that puppy, but they did finish the evening by stargazing from the Sigma Chi service drive. That’s some real Notebook s**t right there.

After that night, the two were inseparable. They went on dates and outings for the next few weeks before Ryan decided to pull the trigger. On February 14, 2013, Ryan did what any college student would do: stole a nice plate of chocolate strawberries and leftover flowers from the frat house kitchen. Hey, he needed something to court Maria with, and the man cannot resist a good bargain! He lit a candle and asked her to be his girlfriend, sparking Annivalentine’s Day for years to come. After completing undergrad, these two nerds just HAD to continue on and earn their graduate degrees. This led the couple to becoming long-distance. But the distance did not stop this hunka hunka burning love! As the kids say, distance makes the heart grow fonder, and that is certainly the case for these lovebirds because in 2017 the two decided to move to Atlanta. In February 2018, the two decided to take things to the next level. Ryan has his lady for life and Maria has the ring she’d been waiting for for years! Wedding planning is currently in progress and don’t you worry folks, there will be an open bar.