Wedding Send-Off

Born 12 hours apart in Louisville, Candace and Ryan’s paths ran in parallel since March 1994. They eventually met each other during the summer circuit of Catholic school picnics at the ripe age of 14. He was struck by her witty humor and bright smile. She found him handsome and tolerable. A budding relationship lasted a short time, but the two remained close friends through high school and college. Rock solid friendship took the scenic route through their 20’s as each found their way in the world. Birthday texts, random check-ins, backyard bonfires, and holiday get togethers were the outlet for the shared respect and enjoyment of each other’s company. However, a shared glance here or a smirk there was not enough to warrant second thoughts for her in Austin or him in Los Angeles. Come February 2023 and the two protagonists finally decided to follow through on their birthday pledge to celebrate together. So, 8 friends gathered in LA and spent the festive weekend in the desert laughing, hiking, and enjoying quality time with old friends. Along the way, Candace mentioned an upcoming trip to the place at the top of Ryan’s travel list: Croatia. Surely an Adriatic adventure is a bit much for platonic friends, but she welcomed his addition (and promise to sleep on the floor). Plus, he could not pass up the opportunity to join such a well-planned trip. 24 hours into the journey tides began to shift. The laughs were more frequent, the eye contact lingered, and the energy suggested that maybe friendship was the foundation for something more. As it turns out, these two simply needed a sea breeze to uncover their love for one another. A few conversations later and Ryan is flying to Austin to help Candace pack her house ahead of a cross-country drive to her new LA home. Six months of shared time in the same place cemented what each already knew, this love story was destined to become a life story. March 22, 2024 arrived and the two flew to the Rocky Mountains for a 30th birthday to remember. Along the way, Ryan proposed a lifetime of shared dessert otherwise known as marriage and Candace said, “What took you so long!?” This story took a significant turn abroad but its foundation was built decades ago in Louisville. The couple is thrilled to share an evening with their families and closest family friends at such a charming venue that represents their Old Kentucky home.