Like many modern romances, ours began with a simple swipe, but it didn’t take long for both of us to realize this wasn’t going to be just another match. After days of nonstop conversation, we decided to meet on January 2nd at the Denver Milk Market. It was the beginning of a new year and, without us knowing it, the beginning of the rest of our lives.

Emily’s first impression of Ryan? He’s so handsome, so tall… and hilarious.

Ryan’s first impression of Emily? She’s beautiful, stylish, and clearly smart.

Safe to say, enthusiasm was mutual.

Our first date was easy and fun, with one memorable moment we still laugh about. Ryan tried to kiss Emily goodbye, but she thought he was leaning in for a hug… so they hugged. Timing: 0/10. Chemistry: 10/10.

Ryan was funny and sweet, and when he asked for a second date, Emily didn’t hesitate. “Well… duh.”

From there, life together fell into place naturally. We built a home filled with cooking nights, dog walks, and a few ongoing house projects, including laying flooring, which we may still be recovering from. Through it all, we learned that we make an amazing team.

Some of our favorite memories together include traveling to Texas so Emily could show Ryan where she grew up. We stayed in Gruene, ate at her favorite restaurant, and ended the night dancing at the historic Gruene Hall. It was the kind of trip that becomes a core memory.

And then came the proposal.

Ryan planned a full surprise involving a fake house tour of what would become our new home. When he said the sellers were running late, he suggested a walk around Evergreen Lake, a place we have always loved. During that walk, surrounded by the mountains and the water, he proposed. Emily was so shocked that she still didn’t realize the house tour was fake and even asked if they needed to go back to see it. They did not.

Evergreen has been a special part of our story from the beginning. It is where we made memories, where we moved to build our lives, and where we got engaged. Choosing the Evergreen Lake House for our wedding felt effortless. It is home. It is us.

Our relationship is loving, adventurous, and full, and we cannot wait to celebrate the next chapter with all the people who mean the most to us.