Ryan and Leah first met during Ryan's visit to James Madison University in January 2020, where he was visiting his friend Alec. Introduced at Ruby's Arcade, Leah's cowgirl boots and skill in duck bowling immediately caught Ryan’s attention. Despite their competitive banter, sparks flew and they immediately hit it off. However, Ryan was committed to football at the Naval Academy, so finding time to see each other was a challenge. Their budding relationship faced a turning point when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, leading to the closure of the Naval Academy and the temporary return of all Midshipmen to their homes. Forced into isolation, Ryan and Leah seized the opportunity to deepen their connection, spending quality time together and bonding with each other's families. Over the past 4 years, their relationship endured the test of time, surviving late-night rendezvous on the Naval Academy's Yard and Ryan's rigorous Marine Corps training at Quantico. Eventually, they found themselves settling down in Jacksonville, NC with the purchase of their home, ready to embrace whatever challenges life presented them. Their journey from chance meeting to building a life together exemplified resilience, love, and the unwavering support they found in each other, marking the beginning of their exciting adventure as a couple in their new home and soon-to-be newlyweds.