College is a time of personal and professional growth and new opportunities for countless young people. For Ashley and Ryan, it also would lead them to each other!

Ashley and Ryan first met in a way unique to those who attended college during the pandemic, over a zoom call. They were interviewing together to become mentors for first-year students in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University.

Their paths would separate from that call, however, and they would be only acquaintances for the next year.

Then came February 2023, learning that Ryan recently became a certified flight instructor, Ashley asked Ryan for a plane ride! (Ryan took this as a gesture towards a possible date, Ashley did not see it as such!)

Regardless, Ryan would act on that gesture, asking Ashley on a date later that month.

One date led to two, and two led to countless more! From their remaining year at Oklahoma State through the following year with Ashley entering nursing school and Ryan beginning airline pilot training, they have experienced times of nearness and long-distance, but have enjoyed every second together regardless!

Their journey has led them to make many new friends, grow closer with each others families, and most importantly deepen their faith in God's plan for their lives.

Ashley and Ryan are excited to celebrate the beginning of forever with everyone!