It all started in 2015 in the San Francisco State athletic training room — volleyball girl meets basketball boy. Despite coming from different sides of California (but what felt like different worlds), it didn’t take long for us to discover that we both adored the idea of experiencing every bit of life together. From boba and pho dates in the Sunset District to late-night views of the city at Corona Heights, we quickly fell for each other — and for the city that had brought us together.

Four years of college later (and one year of Atlantic Ocean-induced long-distance), we graduated arm-in-arm and bright eyed. We quickly added a new chapter to our story by adopting our first dog, Odin — an English Cream Retriever who instantly became our partner in crime.

Ready to explore what other states had to offer, Ryne took a journalism job in St. George, Utah. We fell in love with the stunning red rocks, the quirky people, and the slower pace that helped us navigate our lives as newly emerging adults.

But the pandemic, as it did for many, challenged us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Our shared values and a sense of community grew through those tough times, and we realized we were ready for a new adventure — one with a little more life to give. Enter Salt Lake City, Utah, where we’ve made our home for the past 4 years.

It was after a few pints at our favorite brewery, Templin Family, that we decided to expand our family again — and so, Benny, our mischievous Goldendoodle, joined the crew.

Since settling in, life has been filled with mountain biking, Jazz games, canyon climbs, camping in our rooftop tent, dancing barefoot in the desert, and sharing countless joyful moments with our community that is nothing short of magical.

We recently bought our first house here, a quirky 100 year-old bungalow that’s quickly filled with memories, laughter, and a growing list of DIY projects. Between our dogs, chickens, ducks, beta fish, and our ever-growing garden, there’s no shortage of love and laughter in our new home.

Over the years, our hobbies have multiplied like crazy: sourdough bread, concerts, camping trips, all-you-can-eat sushi, home-brew beer, arcade bars, road trips, Lakers games, and, of course, biking to every brewery and restaurant we can find. We’ve have explored four continents together and don't plan to slow down. Ryne’s airline benefits from his job at Breeze Airways fuels many of our adventures while Dani’s role at an Inclusive Montessori School gives us plenty of flexibility to sneak in adventures state-side and beyond.

In February, we were met with the most wonderful of surprises: not only would we be binding our love in marriage this year, but we would be also welcoming our first child into this world. Expected October 26th, 2025 this babe already has us fully enveloped in the most tender kind of love.

2025: the year of unfettered joy, growth, and mystery.

Through it all, we continue to grow, laugh, and surprise each other with our love. And now, we’re excited to have you along for the next chapter of our story.

To be continued...