Ryan and Marie met on their first day of Freshman year in college in 2019. Marie recognized Ryan from when Ryan was in a High School band with her brother. The first words they shared were, "You were in a band with my brother, right? At Edmond Memorial?" Marie said to which Ryan responded, "Yes, I was, you're Jack's sister? He never mentioned he had a sister." Thus, a blossoming friendship began. From watching each other date other people to unresolved feelings for each other, Ryan had finally had enough. He went to Marie and told her how he felt, and from there, their dating relationship started. After two years, the couple broke up as they both realized they needed to grow as individuals. The separation did not last long, as Ryan knew Marie worked for an interior designer and nonchalantly asked Marie for design advice as he was finishing remodeling his home and building a music studio. Marie knew right away that this was not just about colors and lighting, but that Ryan was trying to win her back. After a few "design consultations", Ryan asked Marie to be his girlfriend once again. With great anticipation, Marie said yes. The two found themselves trying to date the "easy way" and felt that they lost a certain spark of connection, and the relationship had once again ended. But what was thought to be a rash decision turned out to be God's plan for the couple. Separately, Ryan and Marie pursued their personal relationships with Christ and found comfort and support from their church community groups. That was the spark of connection that had taken second place in their relationship. With Christ reclaiming His place as the center of both of their lives, the two reconnected and re-entered their relationship with new purpose, and the rose-colored lens had been replaced with a clear view of their future together. After realizing God had orchestrated their entire relationship from breakups to makeups to personal growth, Ryan bought a ring. Throughout their relationship, Ryan and Marie wrote down every "laugh until you cry" moment and little sayings they had together in a note on Marie's phone. Ryan made a leather-bound book and engraved the name of the note that kept the memories, "The Best One Liners", bought a label maker filled the book. A tradition the couple has kept is to have their own "Christmas morning" on the night of Christmas Eve. After last-minute gift wrapping and dinner, the couple swapped gifts, and when Marie opened the box with the book, she immediately knew what was to follow. Ryan had added a new memory to the book, which said, "Will you marry me?" and before Marie could react, Ryan was on one knee with the ring. After many "yes's" and joyful tears, the couple celebrated their engagement with family on Christmas Day.