Their story began in the fall of 2017 - not in some grand, cinematic way, but through a mutual friend and a Snapchat add neither of them expected to matter. One message turned into another, and soon they were talking every day. Conversation came naturally, laughter came easily, and they both felt that rare spark that only shows up when you meet someone who just gets you. A little while later, Ryan asked Elizabeth out for sushi. What he didn’t know was that she had never eaten sushi before and had absolutely no intention of trying it. But something about him made her curious, brave… and willing to risk raw fish. That first date became the start of something neither of them could have predicted - a friendship that quickly turned into love. Back then, Elizabeth had her license before Ryan, so most of their hangouts started with her picking him up. And when she couldn’t, Ryan hopped on his bike and pedaled twelve miles just to see her. Twelve. Full. Miles. If that wasn’t early dedication (or early delusion), it’s hard to say what was - but it worked, because they kept choosing each other again and again. As the years passed, they didn’t just grow up together; they grew with each other. They became best friends in every sense of the word. They hunted together, fished together, worked together, road-tripped anywhere they could, and found comfort simply being in each other’s presence. Their happiest days were always the ones spent side by side, doing everything or nothing at all. They built a relationship rooted in partnership and playfulness - filled with inside jokes, easy quality time, and countless small moments that became their favorite memories. They have always been the couple who’s better together than apart, and after eight years, that still rings true. And then came the next chapter - the proposal. In the summer of 2025, Ryan planned a trip to Spring Grove, Minnesota. Officially, it was for his birthday weekend. Unofficially, after a few quiet trips to the jeweler and asking for Elizabeth’s dad’s blessing, he knew this was going to be the trip - the moment he’d been planning in his heart. His original plan was simple: propose at a scenic overlook above the bluffs on August 2nd. But as soon as they arrived on the 1st, Elizabeth flipped through the binder of local attractions and spotted a waterfall in Decorah, Iowa. In true photographer fashion, she announced it would be “so cute” for updated pictures. Just like that, she unknowingly picked the perfect proposal spot - and made it look like her idea. The next day, they went to the waterfall with two of their best friends to sightsee and take “cute family pictures.” Elizabeth focused on posing and lighting, completely unaware that Ryan was standing there with a ring and enough nerves to power a small city. What she didn’t know was that the date made it even more meaningful - Ryan was proposing on his birthday. For both of them, it became a moment they’d cherish forever. Little did she know she wasn’t just taking pictures - she was moments away from saying yes to forever with the boy who once biked twelve miles just to see her. Forever Starts Here What started as a Snapchat message turned into the love of a lifetime - filled with laughter, loyalty, early-morning hunts, late-night drives, endless encouragement, and the kind of connection that only comes from falling in love with your best friend. Eight years later, with hearts full and a future they’re so excited for, they’re choosing forever - a forever that already feels like home.