It all began outside a bagel shop inside the St. Louis, Missouri airport: when Chyanne approached a group of students to bond over a shared experience of attending FOCUS Catholic’s annual SEEK conference in 2023. Chyanne was traveling alone and Rory with his friends from Texas Tech (wreck ‘em). Glances of admiration were shared and questions were answered between the two of them as they soon shared a mutual attraction towards each other. After the conversation ended and Chyanne and Rory flew in almost opposite directions back to their home-states, they connected again when Rory reached out to Chyanne through social media. Many days of FaceTimes, silly messages, sunset pictures, music sharing, calls from the grocery store, and excitement followed their initial connection. In these moments of learning about one another, they grew deeper and deeper into longing and admiration of each other. Chyanne and Rory went on their first in-person date in Tempe, Arizona where Rory flew from Midland to Tempe to spend 7-hours with Chyanne, just to fly back home that same evening. It was the most magical day! The best date both had ever had. Chyanne told Rory that she loved him for the first time in September 2023. By February 2024, Rory asked Chyanne to visit him at Texas Tech (guns up) where he asked her to be his girlfriend! They braved many months of a long distance relationship— flying back and forth, meeting in the middle, and waiting long periods to see one another. This was until July 2024 after Rory had graduated from TTU (go red raiders) and moved to Arizona to pursue both Chyanne and his master’s degree from THE Arizona State University. Dating in person was such a grace. In these days, their love deepened as they continued to unfold the gift of the other, walking hand-in-hand as companions through the sorrows and joys of everyday life. With a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love for one another, they greatly desired to get married! Following the Summer of 2025, Rory proposed to Chyanne on September 8th, in the SAME chapel where they went to mass on their first date, and where they will say their wedding vows to each other on June 13th! The past three years have been filled with so much love and grace. Chyanne and Rory could not have made it here without the love and commitment that YOU have given to them in their lives. They would not be the people they are today, or would have been able to meet each other in the manner they did without your love. They cannot wait to celebrate the victory of their marriage with you! It is your victory too. Love, Chyanne & Rory