Real People in Love: Melanie & Ryan

I have to tell you, I was so excited to receive an email from Melanie saying she'd participate in this series. You are My Fave is one of my first reads every day and I wish Colorado was closer so I could try and convince Melanie to be my friend.

How old are you and your husband?

I'm 24 and Ryan is 27 and have been married for 3 1/2 years (we got married young!)

What are your occupations?

Ryan is currently in his last year of law school (hoo-hah!) and is a law clerk. I'm cool for living and do substitute teaching on the side (not my ideal job, dang economy). At least little kids tell me I'm pretty everyday.

How did you meet?

We lived around the block from each other in college. My roommate offered to teach him how to cook if he taught her how to play the guitar. My roommate came home all giggly because she thought he was cute. He came over later that night and invited us to his band's rock show. I knew we were going to date when his band covered Surf Wax America by Weezer and when I saw his killer rock stance.

How did you get engaged?

The day we got engaged was one of my most favorite days. I had a spa day courtesy of a birthday present from Ryan, my new baby nephew was born where we visited him at the hospital and then we went to a botanic garden where Ryan did the traditional down on one knee act. I didn't know anything about the ring. Ryan told me he knew I loved him because of instead of looking at the ring when he slipped it on my finger, I wrapped my arms around him.

Tell us about your wedding day (not necessarily elements but feelings too)

I just remember my face hurt at the end of the day because of smiling so much. Everything worked out perfectly. Any butterflies that I had at the beginning of the day quickly disappeared when I saw Ryan beaming at me. My favorite moment was walking into the room where we were to be married and seeing every single person that means most to me in my life. I imagine that's what heaven is like.

Define Love:

I like this quote, "Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."-Antoine De Saint-Exupery

What's the toughest part of being in a committed relationship?

Like the above quote, looking outward in the same direction is love but it isn't easy. Making sure both people align on the major decisions always calls for some compromise.

What is the best part?

Always having someone to call with good news and snuggling after a long day.

What is the best day you and your husband have had together?

Our wedding day would be number one. Number two would be the day I got back from Italy. I hadn't seen him for four months. It was such a cliche airport moment. I ran down the escalator when I saw him and giggled so hard I started crying. A girl standing next to us said, "I want one of those."

What makes you different from other couples?

Ryan is musically talented and I'm nearly tone deaf. He doesn't complain when I sing loudly off key. In return, I don't complain when he wants to watch a fantasy movie.

What is the most essential element of making it?

Realize that you'll have different interests but what's important to your spouse, should be important to you. Let them have their free time even if you don't get when they're spending it blogging.

What is your favorite thing to do together?

Going to our favorite frozen custard place and on summer bike rides.

Do you have a song?

I don't think we've officially declared this but I'm pretty sure it's I Believe in a Thing Called Love by the Darkness. It's a rock anthem.

What are your hopes for the future?

Graduation, babies, a home with a secret passage.

Anything else the world needs to know about love?

Being faithful to one person is realistic.