Meeting online and falling in love right before a pandemic was probably the farthest thing away from how I ever expected to meet the love of my life. Ryan and I would both admit we waited longer than we would have like to find each other, but here we are, proof that anything is possible, and that God truly has the perfect plan for each of us.

Ryan quickly transitioned from a guy I went on a date with, to a guy I almost let go over a beer (a story we will remember forever and laugh about now), to a guy I couldn’t imagine my life without. I finally understood the common phrase, “when you know, you know,” that I had always dreamed of knowing and feeling. There was no hesitation in knowing Ryan was “the one” and I can’t even begin to express how freeing and incredible it is. I finally found the one I could be completely myself, vulnerable, and goofy with all at the same time!

We knew less than 4 months into our relationship that we were each other’s match and ever since then, you can ask Ryan, I asked him weekly when he would seal the deal. Little did I know that with so much stealth and poise Ryan was preparing for our engagement in Sedona, Arizona on a 9-mile hike. He kept me guessing up until the very moment he dropped to one knee with a breathtaking landscape. Shocked is an understatement for my reaction (there’s a video for proof) and we returned home engaged, overjoyed, and ready to start the planning.

Ryan is my safe place; he is extremely dedicated to everything he does. He challenges me in ways I have always longed for and supports me in everything I do. He is purely authentic, selfless, and funny. As cliché as it sounds, Ryan is absolutely everything I have ever prayed for in a husband. I cannot wait to continue our adventures together for the rest of our lifetime and we cannot wait to celebrate our union with our loved ones!

~Erin

When I first moved to Texas in 2017, I questioned whether I made the right decision or not. I left my friends, family, and all my memories back home. It took a while, but I realized that it was the best decision of my life. I traveled the world, landed a great and fulfilling job, explored a new city, and most importantly, met the woman that I would spend the rest of my life with.

I decided to give online dating a try in a final attempt to kick-start the ol’ dating engine that had been sitting idle for years. The first couple of attempts didn’t go so well – that engine definitely needed some spark plugs and oil changed. At one point I was ready to throw in the towel and resort to a life of solitude. After meeting Erin, I decided to take that engine into the shop and overhaul it, and it was soon firing on all cylinders.

Our first couple of dates made the fact that I sucked at dates obvious. Valentine’s Day 2020 came, and even though I worked a 12-hour night shift before, I was determined to redeem myself and make this day the best date ever! Was it the best date? Absolutely not (ask about the beer). Was it unforgettable? For sure!

We kept going on dates afterwards, because if there’s one thing that we both have in common, it’s persistence. Our relationship, which started off rocky, soon grew into something beautiful. We learned how to communicate with one another, how much we had in common, and how great of a team we made.

On March 8th I asked Erin to be my girlfriend before flying out to San Diego for job training. Less than a week later, the United States issued a National Emergency and COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic. Unable to do normal activities, and not realizing what the new “normal” would become later in the year, Erin and I quickly bonded in a short amount of time. It wasn’t long after that I knew that I would one day ask her to be my wife.

Erin has shown me that there is still good in this world. She is loving, honest, and can get behind any decision I make and fully support me. She is my motivation to get out of bed in the morning and be the best man that I can be. She has helped rekindle my faith and unity with God. I love her with all my heart, and I look forward to the life that we will spend together every day.

~Ryan