Our story started amidst the beginning of the pandemic, creating a new connection while everything else was shutting down. This led to our first date being a bit unconventional - given that we had to have it on Zoom!

Rylan showed up in a half-suit, half-pajamas outfit that immediately won Rain over. Rain was rapid firing thoughtful questions and comedic quips that could end up in the first date hall of fame. Four hours flew by, and we knew this was something special.

Eventually our Covid bubbles joined and we didn’t let the lockdown stop the fun. We “traveled the world” in Rain’s apartment, made many home-cooked meals, celebrated surprise parties for Rylan’s family, and used the time to catch up on every fantasy and sci-fi film ever made.

When the world opened up, Rylan’s dream of traveling reignited. He bought an RV and hit the road - Rain, still teaching K-6, would fly out to meet Rylan during every school break. Together, we made incredible memories: equally as many in gorgeous National Parks as in back water Walmart parking lots.

Big changes came when Rain was accepted into a PhD program in Pennsylvania. That’s when Rylan knew it was time to park the RV and join her there. Over the next three years, we grew together - Rylan started a company, Rain earned her PhD, and we kept up with the adventures: scuba diving in Mexico, marveling at Norway’s fjords, eating sushi in Japan, sloth watching in Costa Rica, and reuniting with Rain’s family in Australia and the Philippines.

When Rain finished her PhD (with the help of Louie, the best dog ever, and Rylan’s steady support), she accepted a job in Vermont. We bought our first home in Burlington, found new friends and hobbies, and, one autumn evening at the top of a mountain, Rylan popped the question. Rain said yes!

Now, we’re thrilled to celebrate with you in this place we’ve come to love. We can’t wait to share our new home and this next chapter with all of you.

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