Ryan and Ivy met in August of 2020 at Northern Arizona University where they both were earning their Bachelor's degrees. During their first week of school which was fully remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivy noticed Ryan in one of her classes. The professor for that class placed the two in a breakout room together for a class activity as they were the only students with their cameras on. After that class, Ivy stalked Ryan on Instagram (obviously) and the rest is history!

For Ivy's 23rd birthday, Ryan took her on a 3-day camping trip in the grand canyon. On the day of Ivy's birthday, Ivy and Ryan went to a local shop where Ivy wanted to by herself a ring she liked. Ryan insisted he buy it for her instead. That night while sitting at their campfire, Ryan spontaneously proposed to her using that ring in place of an engagement ring. With low battery life on their phones, the two made quick phone calls to their parents and closest friends and drove home the next day to celebrate! The rings that they wear now belonged to Ryan's late grandparent's on his mother's side.