In 2019 a dear friend of Courtney's, Joaly, traveled the world to serve where there was a need along with her sister. One of their stops was in Oahu, Waikiki. There they met a kind brother named Brenden who was participating in Metropolitan witnessing. They all kept contact & remained good friends. Fast forward to 2021- We're all elbows deep into a world wide pandemic & everyone is in need of encouragement & upbuilding association! Joaly began an early morning & evening service group for all those who wished to get some extra ministry time in. Friends from all over the world came! The Philippines, Australia, California, & Hawaii! Brenden then invited Ryan to Joaly's service group & there he made lifelong friends. After some time, during the month of May, Courtney wanting to add on to her ministry & support her friend's service group, she too began to join the group! One day, popping in briefly for association, Courtney was asked to share her 'coming into the truth experience.' Ryan was very interactive in her experience & there they bonded over their love for volleyball & service experiences. Leaving the service group, they both felt upbuilt, encouraged, & refreshed, but they couldn't ignore the connection. Could this be something?

During the month of August, a close friend of Ryan's, Michael, was getting married to a beautiful sister name Mailah. Ryan was invited to be a groomsman & guess where the wedding was? CALIFORNIA! With the help of the Pietri family, Courtney & Ryan were able to spend quality time together. To everyone's surprise, they only had known one another for a few months. The chemistry & friendship between the two seemed as if they were old friends catching up again. On August 17th, they took a trip to Disneyland & in the line for Guardians of the Galaxy, Ryan asked Courtney, "Will You Be My Girlfriend?" - Of course she said "Mhmmm, yess"

The Proposal Story