Mr. and Mrs. Rygiel secured the spot as the “Brangelina” couple when Mr. Rygiel transferred to Perry’s campus this past 2017-2018 school year.  The couple of three years are keeping it low-key this season, after constant activity since their wedding last spring. 

Their first Valentine’s date together included a Red Wings hockey game (Mr. Rygiel’s favorite team) and a dinner, a date that they mock every winter.

“We went to a really nice restaurant and I got all dressed up,” Mrs. Rygiel  remembered. “More dressed up than I’ll get this Valentine’s Day,” she added with a chuckle.

Last year the Rygiels were preparing for their upcoming wedding in March, and there wasn’t much time to celebrate seasonal festivities. However, after being together for an upwards of three years, quality time is really what’s valued in their relationship. A typical date for the two entails something like camping or a stop at Chik-fil-A.

“We have fun together no matter what we do so we don’t do anything big often,” the English teacher explained. “We like to spend our money on experiences rather than physical gifts.”  

The Rygiels are accustomed to a busy schedule, but it seems like the two just can’t catch a break. It has not been a year since the wedding and they are working in the same school together, bought a new house this February, and tackling their master’s degrees.

Mr. Rygiel is on the path towards educational leadership. This entails an internship in observing principalship, working on formative assessments, and hand-on experience.

“There are nights where we’re both just working on stuff,” Mr. Rygiel said, “And for me I’m a first year teacher [at Perry] and I’m a travelling teacher.”

This busy schedule can often cause stress amongst couples, but the Rygiels could not be more grateful for one another.

Mrs. Rygiel believes that her husband does more for her. “He makes me breakfast every morning, he drives me to school so I can nap in the car… I’m not sure how I pull my weight,” she laughed.

However, Mr. Rygiel appreciates his wife in a different way.  

“She’s really supportive,” he gushes. “One of the things that makes Mrs. Rygiel so unique is that she doesn’t get hung up on the little things… she can see the big picture while still living in the moment.”

Despite the chaos in the newly-weds lives, it’s pretty clear why they plan on a chill Valentine’s Day this year- simply enjoying each other’s company.