Our love story began in the most unexpected place- Benefis Intensive Care Unit in Great Falls, Montana. Our relationship follows the typical romantic movie timeline: we met as coworkers, we became friends, we fell in love. Starting out, we bonded over our shared calling for medicine and our mutual love for adventure. Tia craved spontaneity, passion and experiences, while Ryan was searching for something real and dependable- a love that felt like home. Over time those differences became our balance- and what began as friendship grew into a steady, certain, once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.

Adventure has always been at the heart of who we are. Whether it’s spontaneous plane rides, overnight backpacking treks, week long “glamping” trips, or even late night ice cream runs, we’ve never let a moment pass without making a memory. But, the greatest adventure has been building a life with our two boys, Witten (6) and Lincoln (4). From the beginning, Tia and the boys were a package deal. And with strength and unwavering love, Ryan stepped into that picture, not just as a partner, but as a father- protective, supportive and endlessly devoted. Together, we became a family, and with that, our love story truly felt complete.

After two and a half years of growing, building, and becoming a family- Ryan brought us full circle. At the end of the boat dock at Newlan Creek Reservoir, Ryan asked Tia to answer a “very important question”. No grand gestures, no rehearsed speeches- just a moment of pure love, simple and sincere. And it was perfectly us.

We are so grateful for every step that brought us here- for the long ICU shifts that brought us together, the many adventures that connected us, the play time with the boys that made us laugh, and the deep, steady love that holds us. We cannot wait to celebrate our next chapter with you, surrounded by the family and friends who have supported and loved us through it all!