How it all started...
Ryan and Shelbi Claire began a close friendship in October of 2019. He traveled from Jones Junior College on a weekly basis to see her in Brandon, MS where she was a senior in high school. On March 23, 2020, he popped the first question and made them an official couple.
Over the years...
In their five years together, they have navigated college, new jobs, and living in different cities. They both attest that being together in those transitional years of young adulthood was the best decision they could have ever made. Everything seemed easier because they had each other.
The Proposal...
On a quick getaway in New Orleans, Ryan carried the ring around in his pocket for 2 full days before the perfect moment came. After walking around the city in extreme heat, Ryan suggested getting dressed up for a nice dinner and taking pictures on night 2. Knowing Shelbi Claire had a thing for rooftops, Ryan took them to a rooftop restaurant for dinner. The setting was not what he had in mind. The perfect spot with a view of the city was in the middle of all the restaurant tables. He suggested rushing down to the french quarter to take some pictures before the sun set. Shelbi Claire was still clueless; she just thought he was being thoughtful because he knows how important pictures are to her. They walked through the city until Ryan found a special spot, asking a nice stranger to take their picture. While Shelbi Claire put her bag down and adjusted herself for the pose, Ryan was whispering to the lady that he had started a video if she could just hold the phone. Ryan ran over to position himself for the pose, but instead started telling Shelbi Claire how beautiful she looked and how much he loved her. She looked over to thank him and express her love back when he kissed her on the cheek and got down on one knee. Complete shock and tears flooded when she heard the words, Will you marry me? Between the kisses, hugs, and tears, he had to pull back and say well let me put it on you! That was the first look at the ring he so perfectly picked out just for her. It was more beautiful than anything she could have imagined, and he picked it out all by himself. They ran hand-in-hand back to the hotel to call everyone they love.