Mr. & Mrs. Tracy Coming Soon

Both of us had been sharing with our close friends, Courtney and Alex, our hopes of finding the right person—someone we could truly settle down with. Unbeknownst to each other, we had expressed these thoughts separately, and our friends, seeing the potential, were already scheming a way to set us up. But fate beat them to it. One night, while casually scrolling through Tinder, Ryleigh came across Nate’s profile—and the rest, as they say, is history. Our first date was simple but special, held at Ryleigh’s shared apartment on the University of Hartford campus. At the end of the evening, Ryleigh walked Nate back to the visitor lot. As they said their goodbyes, Ryleigh accidentally blurted out, “Bye, love you!” They both froze, wide-eyed—then burst into laughter. It was unexpected, and a little awkward, but somehow, it just felt right. Not long after, we made things official in the parking lot of the 99 Restaurant in Enfield, following a double date with none other than Courtney and Alex—the very friends who had hoped to play matchmakers from the start.

Nate’s inaugural visit to Las Vegas came in the height of summer, 2019—a whirlwind trip filled with unforgettable sights and new connections. From the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam to the serene beauty of Blue Diamond, and, of course, the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip, every moment was packed with adventure. It was also during this trip that Nate had the pleasure of meeting Ryleigh’s family for the very first time—a milestone that added a special layer of meaning to the visit. Whether it was the spark of a blossoming romance or the effects of the relentless summer heat, Nate’s trip to Las Vegas certainly made a lasting impression—one he would never forget.

During the long months of lockdown—marked by endless binge-watching, social distancing, and the intimacy of small social bubbles—Nate and Ryleigh’s relationship blossomed. In the quiet rhythm of shared routines, they truly became inseparable parts of each other’s lives, finding comfort and joy amid the uncertainty. As Ryleigh completed her final semester of college entirely online, the pandemic’s impact was deeply felt when the traditional graduation ceremony was cancelled. Yet, in May 2020, within the walls of our cozy college apartment, we created our own celebration—a personal graduation ceremony where we took turns donning cap and gown, accepting a makeshift diploma with pride. Though Ryleigh’s family could not be there in person, she felt overwhelmingly blessed by the abundance of love surrounding her. In that intimate moment, we realized that even in the absence of tradition, the bonds of family and love remained stronger than ever.

In the midst of the uncertainty of the pandemic, June 2020 brought us a bright new chapter—we signed the lease for our very first apartment together in Manchester, Connecticut. Due to COVID restrictions, we weren’t able to tour the space in person beforehand. With nothing but floor plans, photos, and a leap of faith, we trusted our instincts and took the plunge. As we settled in, we began turning that apartment into a true home—filling it with laughter, cozy routines, and the beginnings of our shared life. Still, something felt like it was missing. That something arrived on August 2nd, 2020, when we rescued Arlo and Gus—two sweet, mature cats who instantly became part of our little family. Becoming cat parents brought a new kind of joy to our lives, and suddenly, everything felt complete.

In June of 2023, we embarked on one of our biggest adventures yet—a cross-country move to Las Vegas. Over the course of four days, we traveled 2,632 miles through eleven states, with Arlo and Gus nestled (mostly peacefully) in the backseat. It was a journey filled with long stretches of highway, impromptu snacks, playlists on repeat, and the excitement of stepping into a brand new chapter—together. In April 2024, we said goodbye to our beloved Arlo after his courageous two-year battle with diabetes. His gentle spirit, playful personality, and endless cuddles brought so much joy to our lives. Losing him was incredibly difficult, but his memory will always hold a special place in our hearts. Almost a year later, in March 2025, we opened our hearts once again and adopted Minerva (Minnie) from the City of Henderson Animal Shelter. With her curious eyes and affectionate nature, she brought a renewed sense of warmth and companionship into our home—proving that love truly has a way of finding us again.

On July 13, 2025, what began as a seemingly ordinary date night at Durango turned into the most unforgettable evening of our lives. Ryleigh, completely unaware of what was to come, assumed it was just another night out together. But as we grabbed drinks at the bar and sat down for dinner, Nate grew noticeably nervous—fidgeting with his bag, keeping a close eye on his phone, and glancing around a little more than usual. Still, Ryleigh didn’t suspect a thing. After dinner, we made our way back home. Nate insisted Ryleigh walk in first—and as she opened the door, she was met with a breathtaking surprise: rose petals scattered across the floor, a beautiful flower arrangement, and balloons that read, "Will you marry me?" Completely stunned and speechless, Ryleigh turned to find Nate down on one knee, holding a small box and asking the most important question of all. To make the moment even more special, the proposal was captured on camera—right in the heart of the home we built together, surrounded by love... and of course, Minnie and Gus.