Angela first saw Ryan in winter of 2018 when he walked into the gym and offered to sub for her volleyball team. She immediately thought, "Oh my God, this guy looks just like Chris Evans." Ryan's smile, broad shoulders, and easy manner on the court made her heart pound. Tragically, Ryan was explicitly told he could not continue to play in that league since he was too much of a baller, and Angela never learned the name of That-Chris-Evans-Lookalike.

In the summer of 2019, Angela walked into that same gym having improved her skill and graduated to a higher league. This day, she was wearing her Hamilton sweatshirt. This time, Ryan actually spoke to her, and said, "Hey, you like Hamilton?" As any of Angela's friends will tell you, Ryan became therefore known as "That Hamilton guy" because she was crushing, hard.

It wasn't until December 2019 that Ryan thought he'd try to talk to the cute brunette across the net because she "seemed nice and she's always smiling at me!" One night, Ryan repeatedly tried to hit the ball at Angela, until she finally had enough and screamed, "Nooooo!!!" before passing his hit 100% perfectly. Angela's teammate, the fabulous Marcio Correa, then shouted, "Angela Marie!!" excitedly (please note - her middle name is not Marie). Thus, Ryan figured out Angela's name and added her on Facebook that night (First move?).

In the new year, Angela's wise and kind friend, David Borden, encouraged her to "just reach out to the Hamilton guy and see what happens." Making the *legitimate first move* Angela messaged Ryan on Facebook and asked him out for a drink. Despite Ryan claiming to be a cat person and Angela's personal red flag of him being a craft beer bro - their first date lasted until 2 am.

A few weeks after their first date, Ryan told Angela he wasn't quite sure if he was ready for a committed relationship. Super chill person that she is, Angela accepted this but let him know she wouldn't wait for ever. Later that day, after a pizza date, they went shopping at Brookline Booksmith. Ryan looked across the bookstore and saw Angela, who looked back and him and smiled. A few minutes later, he officially asked her to be his girlfriend.

And not long after that, COVID came full force - and they temporarily moved in together! But by then, they both knew they had found their soulmate.

After 2 and a half years of being together, after navigating a pandemic, 2 new jobs (each!), a trip to Europe, a week before their move to Colorado, Ryan brought Angela (and Milo of course!) to the Botanical Gardens in Boylston, MA. They walked around for a bit (Angela, wondering if Ryan would ask, and Ryan, panicking about finding the perfect spot) until coming up to a beautiful outlook over Wachusett Mountain State. Suddenly, the crowds disappeared and it was only them, and Milo. Ryan got down on one knee, Angela said "Yes!!" before he could even ask.

A week later, they hopped in the U-Haul and made the drive to Colorado. And a month after that, they brought home their second fur baby, Kit, and their family was complete.

On October 22nd, 2023 - after a main water line break, a forgotten veil and vow booklet, a bowtie fiasco, and a frantic search for car keys - Angela and Ryan were married in front of family and close friends in a beautiful ceremony.

We are already so grateful that you're celebrating with us! If you would still like to give us a gift, please see below! If there's something specific you'd like us to use the funds for, please let us know :) Thank you so much!