Ryan and Courtney were introduced by Ryan's younger brother, Brady. On March 20, 2024, Brady visited Courtney with their friend at Courtney's place of work - Walt Disney World. While standing in line at Star Tours, Courtney inquired of Brady to see if he knew anyone looking for a relationship (it's tough out here trying to meet people). To her surprise, his brother was available! When she asked if she could see what he looked like, she discovered that the Owens family does not take many photos, and in typical boy fashion, there were no photos of Ryan on Brady's phone. However, Courtney was not deterred. Brady texted Ryan for him to send a photo of himself, and was met with the response, "why?", to which he replied, "I'm trying to find you a girlfriend." Promptly, a photo was sent! After an approval was given, Brady sent Ryan Courtney's instagram, and Ryan DMed her about the Bible verse in her instagram bio - 2 Kings 2:23-24.

For four months, Ryan and Courtney communicated through texts and zoom calls (Ryan had an Android, so no FaceTimes). In the middle of July, Ryan and Courtney met in person for the first time when he flew out to Disney to spend four days with her. They spent the four days galavanting all around The Walt Disney World Resort where Ryan was able to experience Galaxy's Edge for the first time and create his own lightsaber! On July 17, 2024, Ryan officially asked Courtney to be his girlfriend, yet that is not where happily ever after began. Courtney would not move back to Dallas until January 2, 2025.

The couple saw each other in person once more in October of 2024 when Courtney flew to Dallas for the weekend of OU vs. Texas, so that both Ryan and Courtney could meet the other's family. As you can imagine, the goodbyes never got easier, and to both of their dismay Courtney flew back to Florida where the Magic Kingdom parking lot awaited her.

After 9 total months of long distance and many lengthy zoom calls, Ryan flew out to Disney on December 31, 2024 to spend one last day in Magic Kingdom and help Courtney's parents move her home. Since moving home, the couple has spent over a year in person and love each other more than they ever imagined. They have made many friendships through their church, and have enjoyed experiencing their hometown as adults.

On January 17th, 2026 (a year and a half from when they officially started dating and a year and a half from their wedding date), Ryan decided to propose to Courtney. They spent the day wine tasting and indulging in delicious ice cream. Around 5pm, Ryan took Courtney to Grapevine Lake, where he played all of the special songs from their relationship while driving up to the beautiful set up awaiting them. In front of the lake amongst a bed of roses, Ryan asked Courtney to marry him. After taking photos and watching the sunset together, the pair experienced the most incredible dinner at Perry's Steakhouse. Once their tummies were full, they ventured home to a room full of friends and family to join them in celebrating! Ryan scooped Courtney up!

On July 17, 2027, which is exactly 3 years from when they started dating and 23 years from when Courtney was a flower girl in her Aunt Brooke's wedding, Ryan and Courtney wish for you to witness their union before the Lord and the vows they have made for each other. They are thrilled that you would consider sharing this special moment with them!

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