RYAN:

Ryan's journey from Motor City Detroit to the sunny coast of San Diego was a tale of introspection, peer pressure, and the pursuit of a dream.

Born and raised in Michigan, where construction is a season and fireflies light up summer nights, Ryan's roots ran deep. Except for a brief stint in Florida, he had spent most of his life surrounded by the familiar landscapes of the Midwest. But everything changed after college when he ventured west to visit a friend in San Diego.

The allure of California was undeniable. From the rugged mountains perfect for hiking, biking and rock climbing, to the crashing waves beckoning surfers, San Diego captivated Ryan like nowhere else. Despite the enchantment, he returned to Michigan and resumed his life, albeit with a newfound yearning for the Pacific Coast.

Years passed. Ryan navigated through career challenges, amplified his passion for adventure, and weathered the uncertainties of the pandemic. It wasn't until he faced a sudden job loss in May of 2020 that his path took a decisive turn. Strangely, within weeks, three job offers emerged: two from familiar companies back in Michigan and one enticing prospect in San Diego, which was a close commute to Kearny Mesa, where his brother Robert and sister-in-law had settled years ago.

Robert and Ryan were more than siblings; they were best friends. The prospect of being near Robert, especially after years apart, was more than enticing. Yet, it meant leaving behind everything he had built in Michigan — a home, a career, family, and friends.

The decision weighed heavily on Ryan. Could he uproot his life and transplant it across the country for the promise of adventure and closeness with his brother? It was a daunting choice, pitting the comfort of the known against the allure of the unknown.

In the end, Ryan chose to follow his heart. With courage and determination, he bid farewell to Michigan's familiar landscape and embraced the uncertainty of a new beginning in San Diego. The journey wasn't just about relocating; it was about embracing a lifestyle that resonated with his soul and rekindling bonds that time and distance had stretched thin.

As Ryan settled into his new life on the West Coast, surrounded by the mountains he loved and the waves he longed to surf, he knew he had found his place. The decision wasn't without its challenges, but it was a testament to Ryan's resilience and his unwavering pursuit of happiness. And amidst the palm trees and ocean breeze, Ryan found a new season of life awaiting him in San Diego, where every day promised a chance to live fully and freely, guided by the light of his own dreams.

GINA:

From a young age, Gina always had a restless spirit and an insatiable desire to explore new places. Born in the heart of Texas, she grew up amidst the vast plains and big skies, but her life was destined to be far from static. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, Gina had already called Texas, Maryland, Utah, Nevada, and California home.

Her journey to San Diego was a tale of happenstance and a burning desire for change. After years as a road warrior and working extremely long hours, Gina found herself feeling burnt out and craving a fresh start. She decided to take a leap of faith and relocated to Southern California, seeking to carve out a new life on the gold coast.

Setting up her own consulting business was Gina’s ticket to independence and new opportunities. One of her early clients happened to be based in San Diego, which prompted her to start regular visits. One evening, she found herself sipping a beer with a friend on the beach in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. As she looked around at the lively streets and felt the gentle breeze from the Pacific Ocean, a thought crossed her mind: "Wow, I could live here".

The reason to visit and casual beer break marked a turning point. Gina was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere, the friendly people, and the laid-back coastal lifestyle. Before long, she made the decision to make San Diego her new home. She found a apartment a block and a half from the beach in Carlsbad and started growing her client base in San Diego.

Now settled in this sun-kissed city, Gina reflects on her journey with a sense of fulfillment. Her consulting business thrived in the bustling economy, and she has found a community that resonates with her adventurous spirit. For Gina, San Diego isn't just a place on the map—it's a chapter in her life story where she decided to make herself a home and found a sense of belonging and endless possibilities.

Short story: Hinge.

Long story:

Ryan and Gina's love story began as most present love stories begin… on Hinge.

Ryan had spent over a year navigating the highs and lows of online dating, often feeling discouraged by the disappointments along the way. On one particularly disheartening day, he decided to delete the app altogether. But fate had other plans.

…later that same day, Ryan found himself reinstalling Hinge. To his surprise, there was a message waiting for him from Gina.

For Gina, the world of online dating was new. Her Maid of Honor, Linda, had been pushing her to try it for years, but she was convinced she'd meet someone "naturally”, which was clearly working swimmingly. After a less-than-stellar evening, she caved and asked Linda and her husband, Andrew, to help her create a profile. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed this form of dating – the ability to "profile" people without wasting time. #efficient. One night, Gina saw a photo of Ryan downclimbing a wall. Thinking she was responding to his like, she commented, “You’re known for down climbs? That looks so fun lol”.

This happy little accident led to a wonderful journey. Ryan checked out Gina's profile, where he discovered her passion for canyoning and exploring. With a hint of sarcasm, Ryan responded to Gina's comment, sparking a playful banter that instantly clicked between them. They bonded over both being known as “monkeys” and their shared interests in outdoor activities, Where’s Waldo, and Gina's pet rat (who Gina insisted was "50lbs of solid muscle"). Their connection deepened as their chats moved beyond the app to texts and Facetime, where Gina offered her number and joked, “fingers crossed you’re not a creep.” Ryan was anything but. Gina found herself pleasantly surprised by his wit and genuine interest. One night, while texting, Ryan broached the subject of meeting in person. Gina’s response sealed the deal: “I mean, I’m down for whatever… minus going to dinner and sitting at a restaurant.” So, Ryan set out to plan the perfect, non-food-oriented first date. He did not disappoint.

Their first date was unforgettable — lunch at Denny’s. Just kidding. An outdoor rock climbing adventure at Mission Trails Regional Park. Ryan remembered sunflowers are Gina’s favorite, so while setting the route, he cleverly hid some at the top of her first climb. Eagerly waiting for her reaction. However, Ryan didn’t yet know that Gina isn’t detail oriented in the way he is and has the tendency to not notice things glaring in her face. So when she saw them, she simply thought they looked pretty and didn’t even consider they might be for her… although they were “growing” out of a rock and there were literally no other sunflowers nearby. So, amidst the howling wind and challenging communication from 100ft below, Ryan tried to help her realized they were a surprise waiting for her. It took a few attempts, but eventually Gina realized that flowers don’t grow out of rocks. So trying not to blush she put them in her pack and rappelled down to thank Ryan in person.

After their exhilarating climb, they scrambled off-route through the backcountry to the summit of Kwaay Paay to watch the sun set over San Diego. Perched on a rock, they shared quiet moments together, soaking in the vibrant colors painting the sky. As the darkness set in, they navigated their way down with headlamps. Along the way, they found an overabundance of tiny night spiders that they nick named “Charlotte”… yes, like Charlotte’s web. #supercreative.

This was truly the best first date Gina and Ryan had ever been on. It was the official start to their love story. May 1, 2022. #thankshinge #charlotte

Gina and Ryan's journey together began with a daring leap into the unknown—literally. Their first date was a spontaneous rock climbing expedition into the twilight of a remote wilderness. It set the tone for what would become a whirlwind of adventures. On their second date, they found themselves descending into a narrow slot canyon in La Jolla, California. The canyon, with water trickling over its rocky floor, tested their agility. Gina, navigating the narrow walls like a chimney, momentarily found herself stuck. Without hesitation, Ryan climbed back up to help her navigate the tricky descent, averting what could have been a disastrous fall.

That particular adventure didn't stop there. The Saigon Trail, starting inconspicuously in an affluent La Jolla neighborhood, beckoned them to explore its path down to Blacks Beach. Amidst their escapades, they discovered hidden gems—a secluded overlook where they sat on a blanket and shared a picnic as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the coast.

Their travels expanded across the globe and encompassed countless national parks from the deserts of Utah and Arizona to the rugged landscapes of Maine and Michigan, and even the lush greens of Ireland. Camping became a ritual, whether under the stars in Ryan's rooftop tent or off-roading through the Anza Borrego and Mojave Deserts in the decked out Jeep Wrangler.

Their shared passion for adventure grew as they delved into canyoneering, mastering the decent down San Antonio Falls and the intricate paths of Rubio Canyon in Angeles National Forest. They have trekked the Pacific Crest Trail, conquered Mount Baldy, and reveled in the beauty of numerous cascading waterfalls.

Gina and Ryan's love for adventure also extended deeply into the Eastern Sierras, where they immersed themselves in the region's natural wonders. White water rafting down the exhilarating Kern River provided them with adrenaline-fueled escapades against the backdrop of towering granite cliffs, and surprisingly, a lot of cute cows. Ask them about the inside joke here. They explored Yosemite National Park, blown away by the beauty and sheer power of the waterfalls.

One of their favorite trails, Big Pine Lakes, is a series of alpine jewels nestled amidst a rugged mountain landscape. Each lake seemed more breathtaking than the last, adorned with cascading waterfalls that serenaded them as they hiked deeper into the wilderness. So breathtaking in fact, that Ryan decided to cold plunge in one.

Winter brought its own allure, transforming the landscape into a pristine wonderland. Near Mono Lake, they navigated snow-covered trails in their off-road vehicle, relishing the solitude and the beauty of the snowy Eastern Sierra terrain. At Crowley Lake, known for its distinctive stone columns, they waded through icy waters, feeling the chill seep into their bones even as they marveled at the unique geological formations.

Mono Lake's surreal tufa towers became a playground for their sense of adventure. After trudging through the snow, and climbing the delicate spires, Gina inadvertently found herself perched precariously on an unstable rock at the tower's peak. Without hesitation, Ryan sprang into action, steadying her and ensuring a safe descent—a moment that underscored their trust and partnership in even the most challenging situations.

Their hikes took them to the rugged beauty of Three Sisters Falls, Cedar Creek Falls, and even Cooper Canyon Falls, where winter's grip turned the landscape into a frosty wonderland. Ryan plunged into the icy pool beneath Cooper Canyon Falls. Surrounded by frozen cliffs and the thunderous cascade still flowing, remains etched in their memories as a testament to their shared love for nature's extremes.

Their mountaineering adventures took them up Tahquitz Peak in Idyllwild, where Ryan had the opportunity to teach Gina the art of glissading down snow-covered slopes with ice axes in hand. It was a moment of exhilaration and trust, each step forging deeper bonds in their shared pursuit of adventure and discovery.

Through every escapade in the Eastern Sierras, Gina and Ryan discovered not only the breathtaking beauty of California's wilderness but also the enduring strength of their partnership, a bond woven through the threads of countless journeys and unforgettable moments in nature's embrace.

From speeding across desert dunes in a Polaris Razor side by side to sampling local brews at cideries and breweries dotted along their routes, each journey brought them closer together. Paddle boarding off the shores of Ho Rainforest near Seattle and exploring the vast ocean only added to their list of shared exploits.

As they reflected on their adventures, Gina and Ryan realized they had already created a lifetime of memories in just a few short years. With countless stories to tell and their whole lives ahead, they knew their journey together was only just beginning.

The weeks leading up to Ryan's proposal to Gina were a whirlwind of mishaps and excitement. They had been planning a trip to Ireland, a dream destination for both of them. Amidst the chaos of preparations, Ryan managed to secure the engagement ring just a day before their departure. With the precious ring safely tucked away, they embarked on their Irish adventure, ready to explore the Emerald Isle.

Their journey began in Dublin, where they navigated the unfamiliar roads, driving on the opposite side in a manual transmission car through narrow lanes flanked by stunning landscapes. The countryside unfolded before them like a vivid painting as they made their way clockwise around the entire island.

Their first stop was at Adare Country House, a charming retreat where they enjoyed a brief stay and indulged in hearty beef stew at a local pub. From there, they journeyed to Killarney, marveling at its natural beauty, then continued to the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the vibrant city of Galway. Their adventure culminated at the iconic Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, a place steeped in myth and natural wonder.

On the day of the proposal, everything seemed to align perfectly. The morning greeted them with clear blue skies and ideal weather as they purchased tickets to hike the renowned Giant's Causeway. Opting for a quieter experience, they decided to take the trail atop the cliffs, encountering only a solitary group who were on their way back.

As they ascended the trail, Ryan recognized the serenity of the moment and knew it was the right time. At a breathtaking lookout point atop the 400-foot cliffs, he quietly drew Gina's attention to the distant horizon, murmuring softly to distract her. Lost in the beauty of the landscape and the vastness of the ocean, Gina turned to find Ryan kneeling beside her, a ring in his hand. It took a moment for the reality to sink in, but when it did, her face lit up with joy as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

After the emotional proposal, they made their way down the cliffs to explore the remarkable basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway. While taking photos to commemorate the special occasion, a friendly stranger noticed their happiness and, upon learning of their engagement, suggested a playful reenactment of the proposal amidst the ancient geological formations.

The entire experience was nothing short of magical—a blend of natural beauty, heartfelt emotion, and the excitement of exploring a new country together. As they reflected on their journey, Gina and Ryan knew that their engagement in Ireland would be a cherished memory, a testament to their shared adventures and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.