We're getting married!

Ryan and Tess met in Tucson, Arizona while she was on a clinical rotation for school and he was transitioning positions in the US Army at Fort Huachuca. A simple lunch date getting sushi turned into a 10 hour hangout with antique shopping, playing arcade games at a bar, and shoveling down Mexican food. Best part? While Tess finished her entire chimichanga, Ryan stated, "That's proposal material right there." Little did he know he'd be in this for the long haul. After about 3 months in Tucson, Tess had to return to Kansas City to finish her doctoral program while Ryan had to head back to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado to pack up and move to Fort Hood, Texas (where they currently reside). Despite the significant distance, they each traveled when they could to see each other. FaceTime dates were a must when they couldn't travel. When Tess graduated from her program in May 2019, she moved herself and her dog Nova down to Texas to be with Ryan. Unfortunately, he was at promotional school in Alabama at the time of her move so they experienced more time apart until early July 2019 when he came home. They were able to be together until October 2019 when Ryan deployed for a 9 month rotation in Europe. He returned in July 2020 amidst the COVID-19 chaos. They currently reside in Harker Heights, TX near Fort Hood with both their dogs Nova and Loki. Despite the distance and struggles, they have made their relationship flourish into something beautiful and lifelong. Both Ryan and Tess are so excited to share their love story with the family and friends they hold so dear.