It all started when they were just 16. Ricky had just transferred back to Durango High for baseball, and that’s where they first met. Both were in relationships at the time, so their friendship remained respectful and distant — but even then, there was always a quiet spark. Somehow, they were never single at the same time.

After high school, they went off to different colleges — Ricky to Washington to play baseball, and Markie to Long Beach State. Still, they would find their way back to each other during Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Holiday reunions with friends became a tradition — and every time, that same connection lingered. But once again, timing just wasn’t on their side.

Until Thanksgiving Break 2015.

This time, fate finally aligned. They were both single — finally — and that’s when their real story began. Well… sort of.

Markie had already planned to study abroad again just a few months later, this time to Australia (she had just returned from studying in Spain that summer). So, just as quickly as things had started, she was off to explore the world once more. They stayed “just friends,” but Ricky wasn’t about to let her go that easily. He flew to Australia and traveled with her for three weeks. When he returned home, they still weren’t officially a couple… but he stayed persistent.

After the Australia chapter came to a close and summer began, Markie invited Ricky to join her on a month-long backpacking trip through Asia. Together, they explored Thailand, Malaysia, and volunteered at an orphanage in Cambodia. That trip changed everything. On August 20, 2016, they officially became boyfriend and girlfriend — and they’ve been building a beautiful life together ever since.

In the years that followed, their relationship has been filled with adventure, growth, and love. From long-distance beginnings — Ricky waiting tables in Vegas while Markie finished her undergrad in Long Beach — to Ricky becoming a medical device rep and Markie moving back home to begin dental school & becoming a dentist, they’ve supported each other through every season of life.

In 2019, they bought their first home together. Since then, through all of life’s challenges and milestones, their bond has only grown stronger.

They’ve backpacked through Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and traveled all over the U.S. If you know them, you know this: they LOVE to travel. It’s not just a passion — it’s a big part of their story, and a reflection of how they live and love: with curiosity, courage, and a deep sense of adventure.

By the time they say “I do,” they’ll be celebrating ten years of love — a decade of growing, learning, laughing, and exploring together.

Let’s. Freaking. Go. ❤️

THE PLANS

Hyatt Ziva Cancun