How We Started

Although we don’t remember much about meeting for the first time because we were so young, we’ve known each other since grade school! Our brothers played baseball together, so when we met, it had to have been on the playground during one of those baseball events. We didn’t really talk much in middle school or high school, but we always had mutual friends and crossed paths from time to time. It wasn’t until after high school that we really started to connect. Turns out, we had a lot in common—and Skylar even set Riley up to have coffee with her dad to talk about work before we even went on our first date!

Riley even came to visit Skylar at college at Eastern Washington University, and since his car wasn’t quite up for making the trip over the pass, he borrowed his older brother Chad’s car just to come see her. We both realized how much we enjoyed spending time together, and that weekend solidified that something special was beginning. Before long, we were officially dating in the fall of 2019, just as Skylar’s senior year of college was starting.

Just two months into dating, Skylar left for Spain to study abroad (on Riley’s birthday… oops!), and we weren’t sure how things would go. We both missed each other more than we expected, and while we were halfway around the world from each other, it was during this time that we both knew this was more than just a fling—this was real love. Skylar moved home shortly after studying abroad due to COVID, and we were overjoyed to be back together.

As time went on, our lives just kept falling into place. Fast forward to the fall of 2023, and we bought a house together, knowing marriage was on the horizon.

The Proposal

In June 2024, Riley proposed at the exact spot where we shared our very first kiss—on the beach in Birch Bay Village. Riley’s sister Amber was hiding in the bushes and captured the moment on camera, making it even more special. The night of the proposal, Riley convinced Skylar to go with him to his parents' house to pick up tables for our housewarming party scheduled for the next day. When we walked into Riley’s parents' house, both families were standing in the kitchen and shouted, “Surprise!!!” Riley had been working with both families to plan this perfect moment, and it was incredible to see everyone so excited and happy for us. It was so special to see our families blend together so well, and our love story really feels like a dream.

Our Future Together

We can’t wait to marry each other and spend the rest of our lives together. Heck, we already own a house together, so we’re definitely in it for the long haul. We’re excited to see where God leads us, growing together in marriage and eventually growing a family. We can’t wait to celebrate with all our close friends and family. See you on August 30th, 2025!