We were set up by mutual friends on blind double date for an evening of bowling! According to Ryan, it's a terrible first date if the conversation is going well - which it was! But in our naivety, we neglected to exchange phone numbers which took a couple days to sort out, via our mutual friends. At this point, we managed to set up our very first solo date - a lovely walk around Henderson Lake on a warm September evening (closing with a trip for ice cream). That was followed by a month of outings from Name that Tune to downtown excursions, and another walk, this time at Nicholas Sheran. It was here that Ryan decided to ask the terrifying question: "So... what is this relationship?". Jean replied, "oh, we're having this talk now..." and proceeded not to answer. A week later, she gathered her courage and requested another walk around Nicholas Sheran, where she admitted it would be mistake to miss this opportunity and she was in. Thus, began the whirlwind of our romantic journey. It has included a crazy road trip to Idaho, Jean meeting ALL of Ryan's family at a wedding (just one month into dating), Christmas with each other's families, WestEd pool for Ryan's 35th birthday, Jean's very first Valentine's Day with a boyfriend, and singing together in choir.

Fastforward six months... Ryan planned a whole week of activities in early March, along with a gift for each date to throw Jean off the scent of his planned proposal. We took a road trip out to the mountains (our favourite place!) with a specific stop in Fernie. We walked about halfway up Fairy Creek Falls, moving slowly through the ice-covered pathway (especially after Ryan completely biffed it!). We happened to come across a bench, where we stopped for a water break and Ryan simply asked to pray. Before Jean knew it, Ryan was on one knee and his photographer friends were there to capture the moment! Upon returning to Lethbridge, Ryan missed the turn to Jean's house. When questioned about it, he laughed it off with a quip about kidnapping her. They cruised towards D Spot Desserts, where a whole gang of friends were gathered to surprise the newly engaged couple.