A Chance Encounter? Forgive the cliche there are two sides to every story, but Ryan and Stavroula share different opinions on how they met and remain together. Ryan attributes their meeting to prowess and cunning, while Stavroula views it as a chance encounter. Both relocated to New York City in August 2001 and attended graduate school at Columbia University Teachers College. And although they lived in the same residence hall for eight months, it was not until April 2002 when they were introduced to each other at Stavroula's birthday party. In true American fashion, Ryan and his friends arrived to the party exactly on time, and in true Greek fashion, the hostesses were not ready for their early guests. Ryan knew Stavroula's face around campus, however she did not know him, but was impressed by his willingness assist in setting up for the party. That evening, Ryan abandoned his friends to join the Greek contingency for a night of Bouzoukia. Coming from Greece and Michigan, respectively, they shared little culture and history. From his vantage point, the Greeks were loud and lively, and a bit crazy. From her perspective, he was the traditional American, quiet and conservative. Even with these differences - the night ended well. Ryan remained aloof about their relationship, but Stavroula persisted and they continued dating during the spring of 2002. When she returned from the summer in Greece, Ryan had moved to Brooklyn, but they continued their "long distance" relationship. They enjoyed New York, and explored its intricacies while learning about each other. Ryan has learned to enjoy the trips to Astoria for blocks of feta cheese and Stavroula the snowy Christmas trips to Michigan. A Ring - A Home - A Wedding Ryan and Stavroula were engaged in the spring of 2006. Being the non-traditional pair, Stavroula designed the ring, leaving little room for surprise. After living together in the Finance District, Ryan and Stavroula moved into a new co-op apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in September 2007. They are currently adjusting to home ownership and the art of home renovation. Unfortunately for Ryan, Home Depot stores in fact exist in Manhattan.