Ryan and Gabriela’s love story is proof that sometimes, timing is everything... or in their case, 2019 was the right year. Despite living in the same neighborhood and hanging with the same friends, they somehow managed to never meet until then. I mean, what were the odds, right?

They crossed paths a few times but didn’t really get close until 2021. Neither of them was looking for love—honestly, who really is? But slowly, their friendship grew, and they found themselves bonding over... gym sessions. Yes, you read that right—Ryan and Gabriela got close by lifting weights. Apparently, it’s not just about the muscles; it's also about the bonding.

Eventually, things got a little more complicated. Gabriela found herself feeling butterflies and wondering if she might like Ryan more than just a gym buddy. So, Ryan, sweating like it was his first day at the gym, nervously asked her out. Boom—first date!

After their dates, Gabriela would run home and gush to her sister, Savi, about Ryan—her heart racing every time she heard from him. She was definitely not looking for love, but suddenly, she found herself downloading cheesy love songs and creating a playlist called "xoxo," which she would have sworn she'd never do.

During their first Christmas together, Ryan and Gabriela made gingerbread houses and snuggled up to watch White Christmas, one of the ultimate holiday classics. It wasn’t just a movie night—it became a cherished holiday tradition, something they would look forward to every year. White Christmas would always remind them of that special moment when they shared their first kiss, and it would forever be a symbol of the love they were building together. That same Christmas, they also made ornaments together—another memory they would treasure. It became a tradition for them to make or pick out an ornament every year they spent together, each one holding a special memory of their journey.

In 2022, Ryan asked Gabriela to be his girlfriend, because at this point, it was obvious to everyone that they were already basically a couple (and Nova, Gabriela’s dog, was totally on board). They were basically a family now, and Nova even became Team Ryan—because who doesn't want to be friends with the guy who brings you treats?

The relationship hit full speed. They spent hours talking about their dreams, like a house, kids, vacations, and enjoying the small joys in life. They moved in together in February 2024, which, of course, included way too much laundry, lots of dishes, and many Google searches of “how to adult.” But hey, it was their life, and they were making it work—together.

Then, in early 2025, Ryan and Gabriela joined her family on a trip to Mexico. There, on their three-year anniversary, Ryan got down on one knee and proposed. Gabriela, who was already so ready for this moment, said yes—no hesitation, no second thoughts.

Now, with wedding bells ringing for their big day on April 24, 2025, Ryan and Gabriela are looking forward to what’s next in life as Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart. They’re ready for all the new memories, laughter, and plenty of adventures, like learning to navigate actual adult life together.

Here’s to more love, more traditions, and, of course, more cheesy love songs.

Reception