The Ragans 07.19.25

Like all great modern love stories, ours began with a swipe! We met on Tinder, not knowing that a simple match would turn into a lifetime of love and adventure. Our first date was something special—one we still talk about to this day. We started the evening with a warm bowl of pho, which was my first time trying it. I instantly loved it, and to this day, we still visit that same spot for a little taste of nostalgia. After dinner, we satisfied our sweet tooth with ice cream before taking a drive over the Lake Conroe bridge. Music filled the car, and when Caleb started singing, little did he know—he had already stolen my heart. From that day on, we became inseparable. Over the past six years, our love has grown through shared laughter, exploring new places, and most importantly, discovering new foods together. While I (Tamara) can be a little reluctant to try new things, Caleb has an uncanny ability to pick the best spots and introduce me to amazing flavors—he’s almost always right! One of our biggest adventures together was our first trip to Seattle a few years ago. We instantly fell in love with the gloomy, cozy coffeehouse vibes of the city. Since then, we've visited three more times, and each trip only deepens our love for the Pacific Northwest. Choosing Washington for our wedding felt like the perfect way to bring our favorite people to a place that has meant so much to us. And who knows? If Caleb’s job calls us there, we just might make Seattle our home one day. The most unforgettable moment of our journey (so far!) was the proposal. Caleb’s mom, a talented photographer, played it cool and made sure I had no idea what was coming. While my family was visiting from Michigan, she set up a family photo session, making everything feel completely natural. Then, just as we were wrapping up the shoot, Caleb got down on one knee and completely surprised me. It was the perfect moment—surrounded by the people we love most, with the person I love asking me to spend forever with him. A huge thank you to Ananda Joy Photography for capturing our engagement shoot so beautifully—we couldn’t have asked for better memories to look back on. After nearly three years of engagement, two sweet pups (Honey and Maple), and my journey through nursing school, we are finally ready to say "I do!" Now, we can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter with all of you!