Our story begins Fall of 2008 at Winthrop. We were both young freshman, never thinking that we'd meet the person we'd spend the rest of our lives with. Paola noticed Durane in the smallest classroom, where she sat in the front of their writing class. Durane noticed Paola in their largest class, where he sat in the front of their calculus class. One day after calculus, while she was in line to talk to the professor, Durane approached Paola to ask about the assignment. Durane already knew the assignment but used this as a way to get closer. Fast forward a few months later & many assignments & excuses later, Durane asked Paola if she'd be his girlfriend. Freshman year was full of inseparable moments from watching Winthrop’s soccer games to doing homework together. Once Paola transferred from Winthrop, Paola & Durane continued to stay in touch. Late night phone calls & long night drives back home were regular. After college, Durane moved to MD for a better job as Paola stayed in SC beginning her career. Never thinking that she would venture far from home, Paola made a leap of faith for love & moved to DC. Durane & Paola’s new chapter in their life began. Their new chapter involved Durane meeting Paola’s family in Colombia while finally understanding Spanish, Paola waking up before her night shift witnessing Durane blowing off the fire alarm with a rag as he cooked their 1st thanksgiving together in her studio apartment, & finally moving into their 1st apartment that they now call home. Paola & Durane knew they’d spend the rest of their lives together. One afternoon, Durane planned a date & made a stop by the National Cathedral to meet up with one of their friends. At that moment, Paola’s spidey senses came in. Durane got down on one knee & asked Paola if she'd spend the rest of her life with him. Months later, we're preparing for the beginning of another beautiful chapter in our lives & excited to share one of the happiest days of our lives with our loved ones.