For those of you who don't know our full story, we thought we would share a little bit about it. Before we start, you should know that the moral of our story is God's timing is perfect and better than we could ever imagine. His plan for us is absolutely amazing and oh so good.

Ryanne's Version:

Our story starts in a very unusual location, my grandpa's wake. I was standing in the middle of the room exhausted from the day when in walks Xander and his mom. I had talked to a lot of people that day who said their condolences but my conversation with Xander was so genuine and a breath of fresh air. Little did I know that God had sent my future husband to create a warm space on that cold day.

After that day, we talked a little for about a year and a half. Xander would send me little “updates” (snaps he thought were funny) to me and I would respond... sometimes. The next summer he had the courage to ask me out! I turned him down because I lived in Pittsburgh and wasn’t going to be home until December. Little did I know that God would use those little life updates to drive deeper conversations down the road.

After living at home for a few months, Xander asked me out again!! We went out for a drink on a Saturday night. Two weeks later he asked if we could meet up for a coffee, a drink, a meal, or literally anything. I told him I was too busy with work, WHICH I WAS! BUSY SEASON IS NO JOKE! I didn’t hear from him for 2 months. So one night, I called him and asked “What happened?” That night led to more frequent texting then to phone calls then to facetimes then to meals/cooking together then to our first date on May 1, 2024. Little did I know that I wouldn’t have been able to juggle working a new job, living at home again, and a boyfriend but God was giving me time to acclimate.

And the rest is history! Obviously our story is still unfolding but we hold so much comfort knowing that God has fully written it. What an amazing God we serve that He has blessed us with such a love to share here on this earth! What amazing grace it is to know that this love we share is only a glimpse of the love He has for us! "Amazing love, how can it be”

Xander’s version:

Ryanne came into my life and it was better so I wanted to marry her...the end.

Now let me tell you that same story with a few more words. I could reiterate all the details of dates, car rides, phone calls, and grocery shopping, but those were just events. I fell in love with her kind heart, grace, forgiveness, conversation, and the beauty which flows out of her in the way she walks through this life in a Godly, humble, and selfless manner. I’m humbled and blessed beyond measure to be able to call Ryanne my wife soon.

Our story is one of two sinful people, who in and of themselves are not able to resurrect anything. She mirrors the love of Christ to me daily. She reminds me of the goodness and love that God shines on His children. If you ever get the chance to meet her, you’d agree. She came into my life and made it better, so I had to marry her.

I can’t wait to spend a lifetime getting to know her better and drawing “Nearer, Still Nearer” to God with her by my side.

X&R

Wedding Day