Tatum and Ryan’s story began when they met in Emporia, KS (Stingers up!). They started out as acquaintances seeing each other occasionally around campus and out at the bars they frequented, namely Brickyard (RIP) and Town Royal. They grew to know each other a bit more as friends when Ryan’s ESU roommate, Patrick (groomsman), recruited Ryan to practice with the Lady Hornet Women’s Basketball team in 2017 and 2018. Ryan thought this would be a good way to stay in shape. Little did he know, this is how he got to know his future wife!

Tatum and Ryan hung out occasionally through basketball practices, nights out, or grabbing a meal in Emporia. One night in February of 2018, Tatum and a few other friends visited Ryan at the bar he worked at, Charlie’s Place. Tatum hardly ever had to pay for her drinks while Ryan was working. Ryan and Tatum shot pool together until 4 am, before he drove her home. Tatum made the first move on Ryan, because the truth is she doesn’t really like pool! On March 1st, 2018, Ryan officially asked Tatum to be his girlfriend.

The next 5+ years of their relationship has had many memories to be shared. Ryan began his career in Parks & Recreation Management in Topeka, while Tatum worked to finish her undergraduate and master’s degree at ESU. They continued seeing each other on weekends while living in different cities. During the COVID pandemic, Tatum’s coursework moved online, and she returned to her hometown of Shawnee, KS, while Ryan stayed in Topeka. It was during the COVID lockdown time period that Ryan brought in their first pet, Kip, who was residing on the Graves’ front porch as a stray. They continued to advance in their respective careers over the years with Tatum beginning her career with Deloitte and obtaining her CPA License. In 2021, Ryan took a job with Johnson County, and moved to Overland Park, reuniting them in the same city for the first time since January of 2019. Between school and working, Tatum and Ryan have loved traveling together. Taking vacations together to Florida (4 times), Arizona, Hawaii, and Colorado. All perfectly romantic locations that one would think he would propose….

Ryan saved that moment for August 19th, 2023. The Graves’ family took a weekend trip to the Lake of the Ozarks and while on a sunset boat cruise, Ryan got down on one knee to ask Tatum to be his wife. It was a complete surprise (and that’s what made it so special). They are currently living together in Mission KS, and are counting down the days until their wedding.