Our Happily Ever After Begins Here

It all started back in 2011 at the Clarendon Hills Pool—just two kids from the same town crossing paths for the first time. At the time, we had no idea how much that moment would shape our lives. But it wasn’t until 2014, when we both ended up at Illinois State University, that fate decided to bring us back together in the most unexpected way. I (Ryan) remember seeing Abby at Chipotle, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if she’d remember me. So, I walked up and invited her to the baseball party that afternoon. Abby gave me this look, like she was trying to figure out where she knew me from. And then, it clicked. She smiled and suddenly, we were chatting like no time had passed. I’ll admit, it took her a second to remember me, but once it did, we just picked up right where we left off. From there, things just clicked. We spent hours hanging out, making late-night runs to Steak 'n Shake for milkshakes, and getting lost in corn fields and singing country music together! It felt so easy and natural. And before we knew it, we both realized there was something special between us. Even when Abby moved to Arizona (round 1!), we stayed in touch, and our friendship only got stronger. I (Abby) always felt like there was more to our connection than just being friends, even from miles away. Then came July 2018, when Ryan finally worked up the nerve to ask me out on an actual date (about time, right?). From that moment, we both knew this was the real deal. By September 2018, during Ryan’s birthday weekend, we made it official, and that was when we both realized this was it—we were in this for the long haul. Fast forward to August 24, 2024, when Ryan completely surprised me with a proposal at Papago Park. I had absolutely no idea it was coming that day (he totally caught me off guard!), and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and feeling all the love, I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing moment. And now, here we are, counting down the days until we tie the knot this October. We’re beyond excited to start this next chapter together and celebrate with all the people who’ve supported us from the very beginning. We can’t wait to share this day with you all! With love, Abby & Ryan