Ryan and I met over 9 years ago at a local print shop where we both worked. I started there as an intern and had just been hired on as a full-time graphic designer. He ran a foil press on the production floor. While in my training, I had to make one of the materials he uses on his machine for a job he was working on. I was told he would come up to grab it but then I get an email from him asking about it. So being the smart aleck I am, I told him I would personally hand deliver it for him. From that day on, our friendship became one of the most valued things in my life. We grew to be close friends before he asked me out on a date about 6 months later and on December 10th, 2011 we became an official couple.
Ryan and I were celebrating our 5th year together when he surprised me with ring shopping. I had zero clue what I wanted or would potentially like, therefore he had no idea what to get me. I'm not one to be over-the-top with things but he wanted to be sure I got what I wanted since I was the one who would wear it every single day. We went to 3 different stores before I found the ring I fell in love with. It fit my personality as well as it did my hand.
Flash forward to November 11, 2017. We planned a day out together. We went to breakfast and spent time with our dog Jack. Then he wanted to go for a walk around Lake Zorinsky. It was kind of cool and misty weather so I thought he was nuts for even suggesting it. But he wouldn't let it go so I said fine let's go (sorry for being such a pain Ryan!)
We started walking up the path and he brought up the days when we first started dating. He stopped at a bench and we sat down. He said "Remember when I asked you to come over and we sat on that bench by my apartment and I told you how I felt and that I wanted to be with you? Well... now I want to ask you if you'll be mine forever."
He gets off the bench, gets down on one knee and opens the ring box and asks "Kelsey Piper, will you marry me?" Cue immediate tears and shock as I said yes probably 40 times. As we both stood to hug each other a runner made his way past us and said "I was having a really crappy day until I saw you guys. This just made my day!" His cousin Eric captured the entire thing and I'm so thankful I have pictures of that moment to cherish! It doesn't stop there.
After calling all my family and friends, we went out to dinner that night to celebrate and had a wonderful meal and drinks. I think I was still shaking from the excitement! Ryan was asking if I'd like to do an engagement party with friends and family and I said of course! He suggested going to a nearby bar for a couple drinks after we finished dinner before we headed home. We pull up and when I opened the door everyone cheers and I'm yet again shocked and in disbelief! He orchestrated all of our close friends and his family to show up and surprise me. He had tables decorated and I truly felt overwhelmed with so much love and support. I was sitting at a table with my friends with my back turned to the front door. We were taking pictures together and enjoying our drinks. I feel someone come up behind me and say "Hey! I heard there was a party here!" I turned around and immediately melted. It was my mom! I hadn't seen her for over a year at that point so I was absolutely over the moon to see her right in front of me. I don't think I let go from hugging her for a full 5 minutes. I truly couldn't believe it. She lives on the other side of the state and has permanent issues from an accident that make it difficult for her to drive long distances. Her best friend Lydia was able to help out with that and be there as well!
I truly couldn't have planned a better day myself and I will always treasure everything Ryan did for me to make that day so incredibly special. He is my best friend, the love of my life, and now, my soon-to-be husband! I can't wait to share his last name and stand next to him as we start our life together! We're so excited to share this journey together and have our closest friends and family present to witness a pivotal moment for us.
Here's to the Lang's!!!