Like all great love stories, ours begins with initial hate. We begin by opening our scene on Millikin University, the Fall of 2019 - beginning of Freshman year. As with many colleges, we begin the dreaded 'Welcome Week' - a miserable, frivolous week where you participate in daily ice breakers and silly games to 'bring you out of your shell and make friends!' This branded torture brings us to the meeting of our lovebirds... as fate would have it, they're in the same Welcome Week group.

"Hey I'm Sean! What's up?"

"Nothing. I'm Bella."

Gritting my teeth, I greet this tall, goofy kid. He has a huge smile.

"Nice to meet you Bella!"

I watch as he continues to introduce himself to each of my peers, with the same introduction and smile... it's almost contagious, but I am steadfast in my loathing of these activities.

How could he be so happy? This is miserable! And he's always smiling.

I notice, as the week progresses, that my negative energy does anything but negate his attention. Being in the same dorm and several of the same classes, I find that his smile seems to appear everywhere (though I avoided it at all costs).

Most of our conversations were very one-sided (him attempting to talk to me), but I learned a number of things: he played baseball, drove a red Chevy Camaro, and was EXTREMELY extroverted.

However, I will admit, he was interesting. Accompanying his smile was a really good laugh, some decently funny jokes, and a really sharp mind.

The combination of his positive persistence and my increased interest incited change. I found myself talking with him after class on the campus walk to our dorm, grabbing lunch together, and eventually going out to dinners and watching movies.

Despite my assured promise of avoiding the 'friendship making' practices of welcome week, I found what I later would discover was my best friend. From talking about homework and school activities to God's plans for our future, I found someone who encouraged me to do anything and everything.

And he always did it with a smile.

I'll be the first to admit it - I never actually hated him. His goofy, never ceasing smile is what made me fall for him. It's what makes me fall more in love with him everyday.

Thank you, Welcome Week, for giving me a lifetime of smiles.

Your presence at our wedding is present enough! However, if you choose to honor us with a gift, we thank you for your kindness and generosity.