We met in passing a few times over the years, but really got our first opportunity to know each other over a 4-day weekend in Michigan, celebrating our good friend Emily's 40th birthday. We noticed that we kept sitting next to each other at meals, kept partnering up for games, and kept enjoying each other's company. When it was time to go separate ways, Lili tried to give Ryan not one, but two opportunities to speak privately and perhaps get her number. Ryan was oblivious to both and simply said goodbye with the rest of the group. But the next day, as soon as a group email got started, Ryan finally saw his opportunity and contacted Lili. We both breathed a sigh of relief and began a year and a half of long-distance dating. We shuttled between Durango and Chicago, and several destinations in between... and fell in love along the way. In 2023, Lili moved to Durango and we started building a life together. We have felt married for years now, but are finally making it official! We are over the moon to celebrate this union with our nearest and dearest!