Kelsie and I met on a Saturday in October, 2019 at a Coffee shop and bakery in Milton, GA. I have to admit, I was both skeptical and nervous at the same time. I mean, this was a date from match.com and I had already had some experiences leaving me with that feeling of maybe online dating just wasn't really for me. However, I decided to give it one more try. When she walked into that coffee shop and greeted me with a "Hey!" and warm smile, I knew this girl was different from other females. We began talking and I started to feel even more attracted to her once she started talking about friends and not wanting to get into a relationship and "ditch her friends." I really respected her for saying that. I mean, what person doesn't want to just be with their significant other for most of the time, but Kelsie was different. Of course she was physically attractive, but I think I became more hooked and interested in her because of her heart for the Lord and for her friends and children. With every conversation we had, I got more glimpses of her heart that made her even more beautiful and different than other girls I had gone out with on dates. We must have talked for 4 hours and a Barista came up and offered us 2 huge cookies and I knew that was our cue that they were either closing or we needed to leave, lol. At this point, I knew it was pivotal for me to keep the conversation going. I truly was very attracted to her but not trying to come across as too clingy either. I knew either I say goodbye and maybe see her again or ask her to dinner and keep her intrigued by me and thinking I was interested in her. I'm so glad I decided the latter and we went to Ceviche in Downtown Roswell, GA. It was so crowded but we managed to get a table in the middle of the place. I felt so comfortable talking to her and sensed she felt the same. We had a great dinner and conversation and knew deep down I wanted this to work out. I'm so glad it did!

"I'll never find my husband online." Who knows how many times I thought/said that... But... After so many suggestions to go online, I finally took a step on a Sunday evening after having dinner with some friends. "Just go out on some dates and have some fun," she said. And for whatever reason, I decided to give it a try. First I thought I'd just see if I could come up with a clever profile. And I did. Then it sat. Then I was prompted to "join." And I did. Then came the crazy convos, invitations, and let-downs that inevitably go along with online dating. Fast-forward to a couple days before my one-month membership was going to end, and who did I stumble upon... None other than THE Ryan Ahlenius. He caught my eye because of his mix of goofy, sweet, and thoughtful. But did he message me? No. So I made the first move. Who was I?? I hardly recognized myself... But after many disappointing conversations, I had to take a chance! And boy am I glad I did! Ryan and I met for coffee a couple weeks later (he was very patient and intentional). After our 4-hour coffee date we decided to have dinner. And that was our first date. From that point on, Ryan continued to pursue me and show me saint-like patience along the way. I had no idea God would provide such a godly, goofy, sweet-natured man for me. But I'm so thankful He has! Now here we are, 1 year later, planning our wedding to start our lives as husband and wife. Ryan was a huge blessing I never thought I'd have, and I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with him! Thank you so much for taking the time to celebrate with us! We are so thankful for the friends and family that have been our biggest cheerleaders and supports during the waiting. We are so excited to celebrate with you!!