double-bacon cheeseburgers to poetry, the delights of the Midwest to Taizé, contemplative practices to ultralight backpacking. Ryan continues to push Liz to try the strangest item on the menu instead of what’s most familiar to her. Ryan has introduced Liz to new ways of connecting with God, herself, her family, and her work. Liz finds Ryan to be the least judgmental person she’s ever met, leading Liz to judge even herself less, a process that feels like water in the desert for her Enneagram One self. Liz swears she always dreamed of marrying a therapist who owned a Prius. Who knew?! Ryan says Liz is the kindest most enthusiastic person he’s ever met. She’s the person everyone wants at the party; fun, friendly, and full of great questions. Ryan is constantly surprised by Liz’s openness to life and he loves nothing more than teaming up and exploring the world together, whether it’s the restaurant on the corner, a new movie, or a country they’ve never visited. . . .cont. to Story finale!
Liz can talk to anyone about anything and has never met a cheese she doesn’t like. Liz embodies a deep passion for social justice, but still finds energy to laugh with friends over happy hour in the park. Ryan loves Liz's steady presence; flexible and fun loving while focused, creative, and grounded. She is the safe harbor for Ryan’s explorer’s heart. He is the ship inviting her to new horizons and uncharted waters. Together they form a dynamic balancing act of inner and outer movements. In December 2020 Ryan took Liz on what seemed like just another Sunday afternoon adventure. They went on a hike in the hills overlooking the ocean just north of San Francisco. He offered her treats of cheese and wine and then “just one more special treat…” He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. It was the happiest day of Liz’s life. The adventure continues. Ultreya!
Ultreya (also "Ultreia" or "Ultrella") is a form of encouragement among pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It means, "Let's go further," or "Keep going," a greeting that is answered with the expression Et suseia, whose meaning is “Let's go higher". It comes from two words, Ultra meaning ““on the far side of, beyond.” and Eia- expressing delight, playful remonstrance, encouragement – Aha! come now! come on! There are some historians who maintain that its meaning during medieval times would be the same as "Hallelujah!" And that more than a greeting, it would be an expression of joy for the pilgrims when they finally arrived at the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. For Liz and Ryan Ultreya commemorates their past pilgrimage journeys, while also a rallying cry that encapsulates their shared sense of journeying onward together with soulful, joyful purpose and longing.
The Scallop Shell is a reference to the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that Ryan walked before meeting Liz, and then walked together with Liz in 2017. The shell is used as a symbol of direction along the Camino, pointing pilgrims towards Santiago. Pilgrims also wear this symbol themselves which further enhances the camaraderie along this great walking trail. It’s also quite useful to assure yourself that you’re on the right track. For us, the shell is a metaphor that we are on the right track, toward marriage!
None other than our friend and fabulous artist, Barbara Lyon!
We hope to! Unsure when our world can accommodate a large gathering, but we'd love to some day.
It's taken us months to figure out how and where we could have a ceremony with family and a few friends. Might sound easy, but was actually extremely challenging.
In the backyard of an extended family member on the Peninsula. They saved us!
We're going on a mini-moon somewhere along the west coast for a week, and delaying our longer trip to Greece for "some day!"