The Smiths

Our story began long before we ever imagined it would. We met when Megan was four years old, as Ryan played baseball with her brother. Through years of games and family time, our families became close, quietly weaving our lives together. Though life took us through different paths, Ryan was always checking in, keeping an eye out. When Megan came home from college, we reconnected and Ryan asked Megan on their first date at Cocina Medina—complete with two grande margaritas, one giant burrito, and a whole lot of encouragement from Mom and Tyler. Soon after, Megan left for nursing school in Arizona, but Ryan was already all in. We talked every day, visited when we could, and grew together through years of long distance as Megan pursued nursing and Ryan followed his calling in firefighting. Five years later, we now share a home, our sweet dog Bru, and a life rooted in service as a first responder family. On October 11, 2025, what Megan thought was a wine-tasting day in Aptos turned into the surprise of a lifetime. Ryan stopped at Panther Beach, got down on one knee, and proposed. With our families waiting just around the corner to celebrate, it became the happiest day of our lives. We are endlessly grateful for families who love each other, for the lives we’ve built, and most of all, for God’s grace—faithfully guiding our paths back to one another in His perfect timing. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6