Cody: “It’s funny how things work out. I don’t believe either of us imagined finding our soulmate via a dating website or falling in love with someone who lived 5 states away. Who knew that there actually was such a thing as love at first sight or, in our case, love at first chat? Ryan and I first met through a dating app called Ok Cupid. Well I guess I should say that Ryan found me! I was very fortunate enough one day to receive a message from a handsome young man from Illinois. Hesitantly at first due to the distance, I decided to read his message and look at his profile to see what he was like. After all it couldn’t hurt just to take a peak right? The first thing I was drawn to was his captivating smile. Reading through his profile he seemed like a very down to earth guy that was looking for a meaningful relationship; something that is so hard to find nowadays. A few messages back and forth and I knew I wanted to learn more about him. So, on New Year’s Day 2015, we decided to talk on the phone for the first time. I remember being both nervous and happy at the same time to call him. We talked for hours that day and something just clicked with me. Suddenly the thought of a long-distance relationship didn’t seem like an issue. Fast forward a few weeks of texting and talking on the phone during every free moment we had, and Ryan decided we should set up a time to meet.”

Ryan: “One night while talking on the phone, I was looking at the calendar and we decided that Valentine’s Day weekend would be the perfect time to meet for the first time. My friends and family were, of course, very hesitant when I told them that I would be making the 800-mile journey to meet someone that I had only talked to via texts, phone calls, FaceTimes, and Skypes. I made the trip, but not without the company of my best friend in tow! I couldn’t believe that it was happening, I was finally going to get to meet the man I was falling so hard for. Cody picked me up at the hotel and the butterflies were setting in. I was so nervous walking down to the lobby and out the door. What if I wasn’t what he was expecting. When I walked out the door, I spotted him getting out of his car. He had a huge smile on his face, and I still remember those dark jeans, green shirt, and boots (which I now claim as my own). I couldn’t believe it, I was finally getting to hug him like I had been wanting to do for months. We had our first official date at the NC Zoo. I was so happy that I was actually getting to walk by his side! We had an amazing weekend together, and I can’t even explain how hard it was to get in the car to head back to Illinois. No matter how often we texted or talked on the phone, I wanted so badly to see him in person again. We traded off traveling back and forth to see each other. Each time getting harder and harder to say goodbye. I was having the hardest time being away from Cody that I began to seriously think about how I could make the move to Greensboro. Once I presented Cody with the idea, he wasn’t sure if it was too soon, or if it was the best thing for me to pick up and move so far away from my family.

Ryan: "In October 2015 we loaded up my car to the ceiling and traveled to my new home. We began to find our new normal of being around each other every day and it was all that I could have ever imagined. Days turned to weeks, then months, then years. I was where I wanted to be for all those months. Our little family with our fur babies is everything I always wanted. I can’t believe that I get to spend the rest of my life with such a hard-working, selfless, loving man!”

Cody: “It is the most unbelievable feeling in the world to find someone that loves you unconditionally, with no strings attached. Someone who always knows how to put a smile in your face, to be the sunshine in your life, even on the darkest days. Someone to hold your hand and walk by your side. Someone who is always the last thing on your mind before bed and the first thing you think of when the sun is rising and a new day is about to begin. I never thought I would find this kind of love. I certainly do not know what I have done to deserve finding someone so wonderful, selfless, kind and loving. I have trouble remembering what life is like without Ryan. I can’t picture a scenario where he is not there. I love him with all my heart and I am beyond ecstatic to have the honor of marrying my best friend. I cannot wait to share our special day with all of you. Thank you for all of your love and support.”