Alyssa and Ryan initially met in middle school, but the real story begins in high school. Picture this: two teenagers who both have a very hard time initiating conversation with others, start to think they may like one another. The beginning of the story starts in 9th to 10th grade, with them staring at each other during high school soccer camp, exchanging glances in the school hallways, and purposely parking directly next to one another in the parking lot without saying anything to each other about it. At this point, Alyssa was telling all of her friends that Ryan was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. In fact, she would talk about his looks multiple times during the school day and her friends began to tease her about it because she still wouldn't talk to him. Then, as all the great romantic relationships begin, Ryan received Alyssas number and they started to talk to each other. Eventually, Alyssa and Ryan were formally introduced by friends in November of 2014. They spent the fall and winter getting to know one another, by spring they went to their junior prom together, and began officially dating on June 6th, 2015. They were able to enjoy their senior year as a couple and graduate together. In the fall of 2016, Ryan began his college career at Iowa State and Alyssa stayed in Minnesota for school. This was the beginning of 5 years of long distance dating. They tried to see each other at least once a month and Alyssa was able to travel to Madrid to visit Ryan while he was studying abroad. In May of 2021, they made it through the 5 years, they both graduated with their bachelor degrees, Ryan moved home, and they were very happy to be together more often. They moved into their first place together in August of 2021 and got a puppy at the beginning of 2022. They weathered the storm that is raising a puppy and enjoyed their time together as a little family. On May 21st of this year, Ryan made an elaborate plan to get Alyssa onto a hot air balloon. Although she had an inkling that a proposal may be coming soon due to the length of time they had been together and the season of life they were in, Alyssa was still surprised when Ryan popped the question 2,000 feet in the air. Obviously, Alyssa said yes and they began their celebration of this new chapter in life. In August of this year, Ryan and Alyssa bought their first home! They spent the fall settling into their home and learning how to be homeowners. They are now looking forward to their wedding day and the lifetime of love they will experience together!