Our story began in a way we never expected, a dating app called “Bumble.” In June of 2019, Ryan moved from Texas to be closer to family in Veneta, OR. He didn’t know anyone in town, so he thought he’d give “Bumble” a try. I hadn’t been in a relationship in over five years and was ready to see what was out there, but wasn’t keeping my hopes high. Little did we know that a simple swipe right would change our lives forever. On June 27th, 2019, we had our first date at The Loft in South Eugene. We talked for hours and realized, we didn’t want it to end! We talked about our faith, favorite comedians, family, and of course, our love for Disney. Leaving that night, we both knew that this was something special. We spent the next month getting to know each other as friends. Both of our hearts were guarded against past hurts but were learning together how to open up and trust again. On July 27th, 2019, we went to the Lane County Fair in Eugene, OR for a fun date. Ryan, as always, was a true gentleman and was letting our relationship go at the pace I was comfortable with. But I was getting antsy to get the first kiss jitters out of my system. Later that night, I leaned in for a kiss, then said, “It had to be done, man.” (Ryan always hates that part, lol). Over the next year, we spent nearly every day together. We were introduced to each other’s families and were each accepted as part of the Cole and Blancher clans. After a little over a year and a half of making each other laugh, being weirdos, and supporting each other in the joys and the hardships, Ryan took our relationship to the next step. On April 23, 2021, during a family getaway to Rockaway Beach, OR, he got down on one knee and proposed. I happily said, “Yes!” Ryan and I are so grateful to have you be a part of our journey as we grow in faith and love together. We would be honored to have you join us in the celebration of our marriage, exactly one year from when we got engaged. We can’t wait to see you there!