We're getting married!

From stolen glances across temporary work-study offices to holding doors in Tupper Hall, and perhaps one or two FERPA violations committed by an individual who will remain unnamed, Alyssa and Blake’s love story only truly began when, at the insistence of their mutual friend Will, they found themselves sitting side by side in Dr. Drogula’s ‘History of Ancient Athens’ class. As it turns out, there is nothing more romantic than an hour-long lecture on triremes and their use in the Athenian navy. Amidst such passionate subject matter, it was little time at all before they began to write secret messages in each other’s notes and to pass snacks back and forth—and if on occasion Blake’s grip was a bit too strong and a pretzel happened to break in Alyssa’s fingers, neither minded the mess, so long as it meant they could hold hands just a little longer. Even their first date, OU’s production of Romeo and Juliet, might have been something out of a rom-com. While walking home together through a dark alley, Blake proudly proclaimed to a passing custodian that he was Alyssa’s husband. Whether they knew it then or not, that claim seemed to bound their fates in the stars and set them off on a magical adventure together. Sailing on their trireme of love (see, romantic) through ups and downs, world-pausing pandemics and college graduations, heartbreaks and triumphs—and, of course, many much-needed trips to the Sunshine State—Alyssa and Blake have built a joyful, peaceful life together. After six cats and seven years, they thought it was (FINALLY) time to make an honest man out of Blake and fulfill his bold claim made so long ago in that dark alley off Court Street. They are so excited for family and friends to join them in celebration on their special day and can’t wait to see you all in Athens, where it all began!