Rewind to summer of 2021....

This is when Kayla's MOH, and Ryan's friend Brandon met. Still living in Ottumwa at the time, Kayla thought that Holly was a little crazy seeing a guy that lived 1.5 hours away. Fast forward a few weeks, after Holly (Kayla's MOH) and Brandon have met and spent some quality time together, Holly gets the chance to meet one of her new boyfriend's friends... Ryan. It only took a few hours for Holly to text Kayla demanding that she meet Ryan. She believed that Kayla was the "female version" of Ryan. This being because they have many similar traits, beliefs and values.

At this point in time, Kayla was not interested in dating, she was career driven and focused on her goals of growing in the dental field. She wanted to save money to move out of Ottumwa and pursue further schooling. Ryan on the other hand, was getting comfortable with his new-ish job at UPS and enjoying life after graduating college and dealing with life during covid.

Eventually, Holly and Brandon were able to set up a double date that Kayla did not have any interest in and Ryan was very hesitant of. This night, both couples had dinner and lots of conversation at a Jethros over some really good BBQ.

After meeting for the first time, it only took but a few days for Kayla and Ryan to begin talking every day and staying up late every night just to learn more about one another. Kayla quickly met part of Ryan's family when picking him up to go Mini golfing for one of their first dates. It is too funny not to include that Kayla saw half of Ryan's family watching them in the drive way through their dinning room window with NO SHAME. Poor kids, just trying to figure out how to date and they already had involuntary supervision.

Kayla began going to Urbandale often to spend time with Ryan, and Ryan spent his Sunday's off driving to Ottumwa. To explain the passion that Kayla had for her new relationship with Ryan, she would drive to Urbandale after work at 5 pm and get up the next morning at 5 am to be back to work at 7 am. Thankfully Holly went to see Brandon too so they got to road trip together multiple times a week!!

Kayla and Ryan's "official" dating anniversary landed on Kayla's 20th birthday... why Kayla's birthday you might ask? Well, for those who don't know, Kayla is Ryan's first girlfriend.. and yes, that also means his first KISS. Ryan did not know that he HAD to ask Kayla to be his girlfriend... cute right?! He simply just assumed because they had been seeing eachother that it meant they were official.

Without every single detail, it is easy to say that Kayla and Ryan are undoubtedly a great match. They allow each other to be their true selves and push each other to always be their best. They have worked hard to build what they have with one another and continue to strive for a stronger relationship every day. They both prayed for their life long partners and that God would allow them to trust their seasons of singleness in sacrifice to meet the one. After dating for over 2 years, Ryan continued to pray and seek guidance from God as to whether or not Kayla truly was the one. The answer came easy, and there was nothing standing in the way of the commitment in marriage for Ryan.

Oct. 2023, Ryan spent a lot time of and dedication in choosing the perfect ring for Kayla.

Dec. 11th, 2023 Ryan got down on one knee, infront of the largest christmas tree displayed at Lutheran Church of Hope and asked for Kayla's hand in marriage.... and of course she said yes!

Kayla and Ryan pray that their story will continue to grow positively in many ways. They are thankful for all of their family and friends who have supported them and helped them throughout their journey of love.

K&R