Come celebrate with us!

Victoria and Ryan had their first date on Oak Island at Duffers restaurant followed by a sunset walk on Caswell Beach. Both had been a bit frustrated with the dating scene, but were not going to give up on love. If you ask Ryan their first date was not a date, and they were just "chilling". Later Victoria would learn he said this because of how traditional and caring he is. Their first date in his mind deserved fancier attire and a romantic evening stroll in downtown Wilmington after they dined at Circa 1922, which was an amazing dinner were both laughed and really opened up to each other. They hit it off from the beginning. Victoria called her sister and best friend after the second date and said "I'm going to marry this man". Meeting a little bit later in life and having been through some of life's challenges they were not quite sure how the person they had been praying for was going to fit into their lives, but their faith always assured them that God had something more. "I worried how someone was going to accept Noah and I as we were. But in moments of doubt I let my knees hit the floor and kept my eyes looking up". They love to spend time together, even it's if just being in the same room. Some of their favorite activities are horse back riding, jet skiing, beach days, sunset walks, simple dinners with each other or loved ones, movie nights, growing their small farm, and relaxing. Ryan often refers to Victoria as "his rib" and she loves the saying as it's the best way she can describe how well they fit together. They both have found home, solace, love , peace and friendship in each other. This relationship was not just a perfect fit for these two love birds but there was another relationship that was growing as the days together continued on. Noah and Ryan. "I remember thinking before I met Ryan how could I ever meet someone that would be ok with adoption and love Noah the way I loved him from the moment he was in my arms". Ryan and Noah continued to learn each other and grow closer, and Ryan so naturally embraced the name of dad. Ryan made it very clear from the beginning that Noah was not a part of the package but rather a whole separate gift and relationship that he was pursuing. Ryan says, "Noah has healed parts of me that I did not know needed it. He's softened my heart, as it had grown harder than I knew during my journeys. He has started to reinstill in me that innocent joyfulness that so many of us lose as time passes. He's my son whom I love dearly, no doubt about that." The three of them came to know they belonged together as a family. Ryan proposed to Victoria after a wonderful dinner at Duffers with a sunset walk on the beach. A recreation of the not first, first date. Wanting to do it God's way, before moving in together they got married at the courthouse with a small group of family and friends. On October 13th they will be having a beach ceremony and exchanging vows in front of God, family, and friends. After will be a reception with food, drinks, and music. Come celebrate this little family at their special beach and restaurant as they celebrate the blessing of holy matrimony!