Ryan and I met in college through a mutual acquaintance. Soon after, I learned he had a crush on me, so when I saw him later that week in chapel, I said hello! Ryan, being the shy type, practically jumped out of his skin when I approached him :). We spent the next few months getting to know each other and going on dates (during my freshman year) and we officially started dating the following year!

It was May 29th, 2017. Ryan and I both went home for the summer (He to Illinois & I to Michigan). Ryan and his family were headed to Grand Rapids to pick up the last of his things from the house he rented. He offered the idea of meeting them out there for lunch, a trip to their favorite greenhouse, and Grand Haven. I was about to start my new job the next day and we weren't really going to see each other over the summer, so of course I accepted! We got to Grand Haven and wanted to show Ryan's Mom and Grandma the pier. It's a very long walk to the end and by the time we got there we noticed the pier was closed for construction! We were disappointed but still enjoying the view, and Ryan asked me if I wanted to go walk along the beach. At first, I said, "Sure," but quickly changed my answer to, "No, I really don't feel like getting all sandy." Ryan insisted and basically dragged me onto the beach. We were just walking along with his two brothers trailing behind and I could tell something was up. Ryan was being quiet. I mentioned that he was being weird and asked why he wanted to walk on the beach so badly, but he didn't really have an explanation. Shortly after he piped up, "Well, this is as good as spot as any." And it hit me, I knew what was about to happen! Ryan got down on one knee! I, in complete shock, went deaf and don't remember hearing most of what he said except for "Will you marry me?" And I said YES!