It was the second year of undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and little did Caryssa and Darrin know that it would be the start of a budding friendship that would evolve into several years of building a life together side-by-side.

At the time, neither was looking for a relationship, but several long days at studio seated next to one another meant there was plenty of time to get to know one another. It wasn't actually until Caryssa was out with friends getting ice cream and the topic of boys came up that she realized her interest in Darrin may be more than friendship. With the encouragement of her suitemate, she texted Darrin and from there the conversation bloomed. Finally, Darrin asked Caryssa on a date to the little quaint pizza place a block off campus. The night ended with a walk back to the dorms in the pouring rain! Unfortunately, summer was fast approaching and Caryssa was heading abroad and Darrin would be heading home for a summer internship. Having not talked much at all throughout that summer, both returned to UWM for their junior year not really sure where their relationship stood. Gathered, first night back on campus, their friends quickly reminded them of where they left off. Very nonchalantly, everyone left the room, leaving Darrin and Caryssa to face each other for the first time since last semester and officially define their relationship.

Following graduation, Darrin and Caryssa continued to grow together and pursue their careers in Architecture moving to Chicago, then to St. Louis, and finally settling back in Chicago. Along the way they've built their life and family together to include one very spoiled and loved furbaby, Abby and a 1916 Prairie Style home that they've been able to tackle as a starter restoration/renovation project for themselves.

Darrin and Caryssa cannot wait to continue pursuing life together and seeing what adventures await them next!

Registry