Natalie and Ryan met as sophomores in high school when their rival schools, the Powell Valley Vikings and the Appalachia Bulldogs, consolidated. Born to be bitter enemies (high school sports are taken very seriously in small towns), Natalie and Ryan quickly realized that marching band, a love of Star Wars, and the shared need for a date to senior prom made them better suited for friends. After graduation, Natalie went away for school while Ryan started college locally. The summer after freshman year, Natalie and Ryan reconnected over milkshake dates, waterfall hikes, and backyard bonfires. They had so much fun together that summer that they realized they never wanted to say goodbye again. Over the next three years they went on even more adventures, finished college, moved in together, and did a little more growing up before finally, on a sunny day in August, they hiked back to the waterall they visited on their very first date, and Ryan asked Natalie if she would spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes. More about the couple: Natalie and Ryan are proud parents to two golden retrievers and three cats! They recently moved back home to Big Stone Gap, VA from Richmond and have since bought their first home together.
Natalie and Ryan will wed in an intimate backyard ceremony at their home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Ceremony guests are invited to stay for a casual "I Do BBQ" reception on the lawn. Good food, live music, dancing, games, and general merriment will ensue!