How we met:
I moved from Tennessee to Boulder, CO after college for a job, and consequently I did not know a soul in the area! Thankfully, one of my bosses knew I was looking for a church in the area, and he and his family took me to the First Presbyterian Church in Boulder one Easter Sunday.
I instantly felt at home as I began hanging out with the young adult group at the church. Thursday night Bible studies were held at Ryan’s condo, and that’s where we first were introduced. I remember thinking, “dang, that guy’s handsome!”
Ryan and I began playing tennis together regularly, and I totally let him win every. single. time. (haha) After being friends for a while, Ryan finally decided to ask me out on a date. (Eeek!)
Our first date:
He picked me up one January night with pink tulips and took me to the Boulder Chop House where we enjoyed steak, red wine, and great conversation. Later he told me that he took me there to make sure I wasn’t a vegetarian! Ha!
After dinner we drove up Flagstaff mountain and stargazed (with a ton of blankets!) We also got to watch an orange moon rise over the horizon, which was perfect because my family loves to watch the moon rise! It was seriously THE BEST first date I could imagine.
A few pics of us through the years…
How he asked:
My sister and her husband live in Cocoa Beach, FL, and I had been dying for Ryan and I to take a trip to visit them. We decided to go Memorial Day weekend, and Brad (my bro-in-law) offered to take us deep sea fishing!
We got in super late, so after about three hours of sleep we headed out on the boat an amazing day out on the water. Ryan kept attacking me with sunscreen every fifteen minutes while we were on the boat (he didn’t want me to be sunburned for the engagement!) But other than the lack of sleep induced goofiness, he was acting completely normal.
The next day, my sister and I were talking on the beach while the boys were throwing a football. I had previously told her that I thought Ryan had bought a ring, which I was super excited about!! “Has he been acting weird? Do you think he’s going to propose soon?” she asked.
I told her that I wished he would propose this weekend, but I wasn’t sure if it would happen. (Side note: I got my nails done juuuuust incase!) “Oh well, it’ll happen eventually,” she said nonchalantly.
After that conversation, I thought this weekend would be a proposal free weekend. As it would turn out, she DID help him plan the proposal! We went out to dinner that night, had a great time, and came back to the house to watch the sunset from the dock. It was so beautiful, we decided to get a picture together. The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee and all I could do was tear up and nod. After collecting myself, he asked me again, “Will you marry me?” “Yes, of course!!” I screamed! My sister and her husband brought out champagne and strawberries and the rest is history!
Hope you enjoyed our story! It was truly the most magical day of my life!!!
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