Now this depends on who you ask. Valerie will tell you it was over sandwiches at our residency orientation, but she quickly dismissed me when she learned I was already taken. Ryan will tell you "rock climbing". Well, we certainly got to know one another better through climbing at the gym, though Ryan will ultimately concede that he may have met Valerie briefly at orientation. Womp.

#CollinsEzzio wedding, add beer, wine and good dancing music, a love for the outdoors and cooking, and you get us.

Step 1: Planning and failed plans - Beautiful island camping vacation, perfect sunset spot, but the ring wasn't ready. Mountain backpacking hiking vacation, then come the thunder and lightning so trip was cancelled. Step 2: Ring ready, day of, burning hole in Ryan's pocket. Ryan proposes beach dinner with some Taco Escobarr takeout. Valerie invites all friends to come (none are available, Ryan cheers). Beach too crowded so after dinner, off to Two Lights we go. Lots of walking and building up confidence on Ryan's part. Then the rain comes and Valerie wants ice cream. Ryan insists on sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean, still light rain but dry enough. Spontaneous proposal. It happened. She said yes.