till death do us part

Katie and Ryan have both lived in Rockford most of their lives but made the wise decision to start dating while Katie was travel nursing. They had actually known each other for a few years in a mutual group of friends and had hung out several times together. When Katie was back in town for her sister's college graduation, Katie took a chance on Bumble and swiped right when Ryan popped up. Thinking nothing would come of it, she was shocked when she got a 'match' notification on the way to the airport to head back to Baltimore. Not long after, Katie planned another trip home and they went on their first date - and they went on a second date the next night. She finished her assignment in Baltimore and they got to spend a few weeks together before she headed out to Phoenix. They even took a last minute trip to Florida in that time! Ryan got to visit while she was in Arizona to hang out and sight see; she made a trip or two home during that time too. At the end of her assignment, Ryan flew out to Phoenix and they spent 4 days road-tripping home and having a wonderful time. The rest of the story just continues from there - a few more dates, the beginning of COVID so lots of time inside playing board games. Eventually, Katie somehow convinced Ryan to get a puppy (which turned into two) and they became a happy family of four. It wasn't long before Katie moved in and they lived happily ever after! After about 3 years of puppies and board games and a little bit of travel, Ryan FINALLY proposed! They took the pups up to the Farmer's Market in Beloit (of which they promptly got kicked out for having the dogs) and ended up on the bike path along the river. Katie had no clue that it was coming so it was a real shock! But a happy surprise when Ryan got down on one knee. In a whirlwind of time moving into a new house and planning a wedding, we've finally arrived at this time when we get to celebrate with family and friends :) Thanks for joining us and enjoy the celebration!