Margaret and Shand first met in early 2016. The two almost never crossed paths—Shand was studying at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina while Margaret was at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. They both decided to study abroad in Spain their junior year. Shand wished to go to Madrid, while Margaret hoped to study in Seville. Luckily, this didn't work out for either of them! They both found themselves living and studying in the most magical city in the world—Granada.

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After arriving in Spain with IES Granada, each were put into separate orientation groups. After Margaret's group finished a tour of the city, she and some new friends spotted Shand's group. Their leader was taking his group to the famous Café Fútbol for some classic churros con chocolate. Margaret and her friends decided to sneakily integrate with the group to see if they could score some churros too. The professor did not buy them their churros, but Shand will never forget the moment Margaret sat down across the table from him. 

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A week later, a large group of students got together to experience Spanish nightlife. While Shand may not forget how pretty he thought Margaret was at the cafe, Margaret will never forget the surprising and unexpected pang of jealousy she felt when several girls gave Shand a hug when he arrived at the bar. The group continued on to the discoteca. While trying to enjoy the night, Margaret had gravely miscalculated her attire. In particular, she was wearing a ring which would snag on everything and everyone she passed in the crowded club. After innumerable panicked apologies in Spanglish to men whose sweaters she was suddenly attached to, Shand came to her aid. He offered to accompany her through the mayhem to the bathroom, but only after putting the ring in his pocket. Margaret, grateful for the reprieve, was even more surprised to emerge from the long line at the bathroom and find him still there waiting for her. He walked her back to her host mom's flat, and repeated more than once "Are you sure you don't have a boyfriend?!" After Margaret reassured him that no, she was not in fact dating anyone, he asked if he could kiss her goodnight. She said yes.

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The rest of the semester was filled with hanging out with friends; exploring the city; attending Watercolor, Mediterranean Ecosystems, and Islamic Art & Architecture classes; and trying new things together. At one point, Shand was afraid of his growing feelings for a girl who lived so far away in the US. He told Margaret he thought it was best if they broke things off. It lasted (maybe) a whole three days...

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While some might have thought it was just a study abroad romance, at the end of the semester Margaret and Shand decided to give it a go. Margaret's parents will never forget the boy waiting at Newark Airport less than a week after Margaret returned from exploring Europe that summer. They dated long distance for almost four years. The distance slowly closed: Colorado–South Carolina, New Jersey–South Carolina, New Jersey–Boston. Finally, Margaret received acceptance letters from law schools in Boston, where Shand worked for Mass General, as well as Emory in Atlanta. Together they decided to embark on another adventure, this time with each other, and moved to Georgia. Margaret was able to attend a great school and be near her father's side of the family, while Shand was able to transfer to Emory Hospital and be close to his friends and family in South Carolina. 

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Margaret always told Shand she would finish her education before getting married. After living in the same city, surviving the pandemic together, and getting their precious puppy Meli, Shand couldn't wait any longer. On Memorial Day Weekend 2022, Margaret and Shand traveled to Lake Summit, NC to spend the long weekend at Shand's family's mountain house. On Saturday morning, Margaret awoke to a panicked Shand. He had received word from a neighbor that he needed to get to the dock ASAP. Shand called Margaret from the dock and told her his father's boat had sunk! In the back of Margaret's mind she thought it might be a ploy, but there was no time to waste and she rushed to the lake. Upon her arrival she discovered that yes, in fact, the boat had sunk! Though not in the original plan, Shand had already hired a local photographer who was getting tired of crouching in the bushes. After struggling to get Margaret's attention away from the sunken boat, this time instead of putting a ring in his pocket, he pulled one out. He knelt down, and asked her to marry him. Just like that first night in Granada, she said yes. It was the easiest decision she had ever made.

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When considering where they would like to be married, two obvious options stood out: Margaret's home near Aspen, Colorado, or the city where they fell in love, Granada, Spain. In calculating expenses for guests for both destinations, it worked out to be significantly more affordable for travelers to attend a wedding in Granada (we were surprised too, but we promise it's true!). Margaret and Shand are ecstatic to share the city they fell in love in with the people they love most. They can't wait to share this next great adventure with you!