We're getting married!

It all began in the bustling halls of Syracuse University. Ryan and Valeria were just two aspiring broadcast journalists with big dreams. Both worked in Citrus TV, Valeria even interviewed Ryan for a story. However life—busy, unpredictable life—kept them on parallel tracks rather than intersecting ones. Graduation came. Life moved on. For ten years, they lived separate chapters. Different cities. Different stories. But fate, as it always does with a good love story, had other plans. When Ryan finally asked Valeria out— when she moved to Philadelphia—she thought they were just catching up. A casual reunion of old Syracuse alumni. A friendly dinner, maybe. Nothing more. But Ryan had a different script in mind. Weeks passed, filled with laughter, thoughtful conversations, and a certain spark that couldn’t be ignored. One evening, while walking in Center City on a rainy summer night, Ryan held her hand. That’s when Valeria realized: this wasn’t just catching up. Philadelphia became their first chapter together—its cobbled streets and eclectic restaurants framing the early days of their romance. Ryan made sure she saw the city through his eyes, showing her the hidden gems, local favorites and the passion for their sports teams. In return, Valeria brought the spirit of adventure. But there was one more important introduction that had to happen before the story could really begin: Mia. Valeria’s loyal, sassy, and sweet rescue dog had been her companion through thick and thin. Protective and skeptical, Mia didn’t just let anyone into her world. Ryan didn’t mind. He knew earning Mia’s trust would take time. And so he did what any wise man would do—he showed up. With treats, belly rubs, patience, and a lot of love. Slowly but surely, Mia warmed up. One day, Ryan looked down to find her curled up next to him on the couch, completely at peace. That’s when he knew: he wasn’t just falling for Valeria. He was falling for their little family. Eventually, Mia stopped just being “Valeria’s baby girl” and became “our baby girl.” Ryan didn’t just love her—he became her dad. And somewhere between long walks and shared snacks, the three of them became inseparable. Then came the adventures. First stop: Puerto Rico. A whirlwind of color, music, and mouthwatering flavors. Ryan discovered Medalla, El Churry and Chinchorreo - and possibly a side of himself he didn’t know existed. There was magic in the warm nights and laughter shared over food. Next came Disneyland, where Valeria’s inner child—okay, full-on Disney superfan—was on proud display. Ryan watched, half amused and half enchanted, as she gushed over Mickey Mouse with the kind of joy most people only reserve for true love. From there, the world became their playground. They strolled through fairy-tale Christmas markets in France, United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria. Ryan making sure they tried all the local cuisines, while Valeria planned their tours and made sure to buy christmas ornaments they started collecting of every place they visited. But it was before Italy—land of pasta, pizzas, and passion—that Ryan knew it was time. In front of The Mann Center where they enjoy their summer picnics during Movies at the Mann, Ryan asked her to be his forever travel partner. She cried and smiled—because she already knew. It wasn’t just the adventures. It was the way they saw the world differently together. It was in the late-night talks, the passport stamps, and the quiet glances that said more than words ever could. From Syracuse to the world, their story wasn’t just a headline. It was a love story—drafted in college, published in Philadelphia, evolved through compassion and that only gets stronger with every mile.