So, what do you do as an early twenty something when you are not sure what to do?

Duh, you go to the Dominican Republic. Stick with me on this.

Isabel: Between majors, tired of dating, looking for travel adventure.

Ryson: Just finished college, not sure what to do.

Both thinking about teaching English as a second language. Both needing a little nudge,

push, get over it and go coercion, bribery. Choose your verb. Both getting the verb they

needed to go.

They finally are headed to the Dominican Republic. They meet very briefly at pre-travel

meetings.

Isabel: Not interested. Focused on the adventure. Until, a month and a half later, “Wait

some other girl likes him. I think I like him too.” No country is immune from a little

jealousy.

Ryson: A fast eater. Noticed the pretty girl. Was nervous to eat in front of her. He didn’t

want her to think he was a pig. I would like to point out here, this is an unusual thought

process for a young man. Mostly they think about food and girls in separate categories.

Very seldom does one affect the other.

Major problem. The organization they are with PROHIBITS romantic connections

PERIOD.

Here’s a little “He Said, She Said.”

Isabel: “I made the first move because I sat between him and another girl during a

movie to keep her away from him.” We add here, Ryson didn’t know this was a move.

He was just watching the movie.

Ryson: “Technically, I made the first move. I secretly held her hand during a movie on

the rooftop.” Just a reminder no one was supposed to be making a move PERIOD.

How do a girl from Utah and a boy from Washington keep a secret relationship going

after they leave the Dominican Republic.

One of them moves to Utah. There are several versions about the motive for moving to

Utah. I suggest you ask the happy couple what the real reason was.

Not long after they even said, “I love you.”

Isabel: “He totally said it first.”

Ryson: “She made me say it first, then she said it right after.”

So here is a quick recap of the eight months leading up to the proposal. I love you.

Inseparable. Travel together. Inseparable. Go to concerts. Work? Inseparable. Pick out

an engagement ring. Did I mention inseparable? Wait for a proposal. Blah, Blah, Blah.

Cut to a trip to Spain with friends. Almost a year after the secret hand holding.

Picture it. A beautiful terrace in the hills of Mallorca, slightly overcast, stunning views,

flowers on the terrace wall, ring the pocket, touch of bleach in the air.

He asked, she said, “Yes.” Rumor has it they both cried a bit.

So, there you have it. An age-old story. Two early 20 somethings with no definite plans

or ideas of what to do with their lives. Travel to a distant tropical island. Fall in love

secretly. (I add here. I don’t think it was that secret. If I know 20 somethings in love, that

is a hard thing for them to hide.) End up engaged and starting a life together.

We are thrilled they found each other and got it all worked out.

Now bring on the party.

Photos