Our first date started with a walk through a park, talking and getting to know each other. When dinner time rolled around, Ryan suggested a restaurant he remembered having great food, even though he hadn't been there in a couple years. We drove there, ready to eat...until we pulled into the parking lot and realized the restaurant was actively being demolished. Yes. Demolished. Bulldozer and all. On our first date. After laughing it off (and deciding that this was either a terrible sign or a perfect one), we improvised and ended up at a truck stop diner instead. The food was awful, but we talked for hours, laughed nonstop, and both knew almost immediately that there was something special there. Turns out, great connections don't need great food (or even a standing restaurant).

On Christmas Eve, we were spending the evening at my parent's house, nothing out of the ordinary, or so I thought. What I didn't know was that right before we left to head home, Ryan had quietly asked my dad for his blessing to marry me. When we got home, Ryan immediately ushered me into the living room and told me to sit on the couch while he went outside. I wasn't even allowed to take off my jacket or shoes. Suspicious? Very. After about 5 minutes, he came back in and led me out to the backyard. As we walked toward the tree line behind the house, I noticed Christmas lights glowing in the distance. When we reached them, the full scene came into view: a pathway of twinkling lights with illuminated archways leading to a bonfire and a swing, complete with champagne. It was a true winter wonderland. At the center was a stack of firewood painted with the words, "Will you marry me?" Ryan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, and of course, I said yes! It was the most romantic and perfect proposal I could have ever imagined.