It all began back in 2014, in the halls of Waterdown District High School. We were just two teenagers in Grade 9, figuring out life — until we were introduced by a pair of mutual friends who were dating at the time. Little did we know that introduction would spark something unforgettable. Our first official date was at the fair in Memorial Park, sometime in April or May — a simple, sweet beginning that would become the foundation for so many memories. We bonded quickly (and a little unexpectedly) over a shared love for ice cream cake. Keelea made the first move, unafraid to tell Ryan that she found him “hot” — and the rest, as they say, is history. From the end of Grade 9 through Grade 11, we grew together. We shared firsts, learned more about ourselves and each other, and built a relationship full of laughter, support, and discovery. But as Grade 12 approached, things shifted. Keelea felt the need to experience life independently and learn who she was outside of a relationship. We broke up — young hearts unsure but still connected in ways we didn’t fully understand yet. Two years passed. Then, through a miscommunication of all things, we found our way back to each other. Keelea tried to act like it didn’t matter — but it did. It always had. And when she let her guard down, we picked up where we left off — only this time, stronger, older, and more certain than ever. Fast forward seven years: on May 8, 2025, during a family road trip to Myrtle Beach, Ryan proposed in the mountains of West Virginia. Just the two of us and our dog, Albertina. It was perfect. We’re getting married on June 27, 2026, and in true “us” fashion, we’re celebrating with a festival fair-themed wedding. Every year, we go to the Rib Fest at Memorial Park — the same place we had our first date. That fair has become a symbol of our love story: a place of joy, connection, and returning to where it all began. This isn’t just a wedding — it’s a celebration of young love that grew up, split apart, and found its way back home.