We'll keep it short and sweet! We met 11 years ago during our freshman year in high school. I (Shannon) totally had a crush on Ryan but he was out of my league at the time. We were in the same friend group throughout high school, but when we graduated we did not keep in touch. Fast forward 6 years and we ran into each other at Crossroads Bible Church Church. We were both a part of the music team and would catch up throughout the year at music team gatherings. In the summer of 2018, we ended up at a team night on reeds lake when we both happened to be single. At this time Shannon had finally entered my (Ryan's) league and peaked my interest. We were out on the boat where the vibes were good and the conversation was even better. The sunset was hitting Shannon just right causing me to be left in awe by her glowing face and glistening nose ring. Next thing you know we're on a date filling each other in on what life has looked like since high school. This date became the start of something that has changed our lives forever.

It was a casual Wednesday night. Shannon was having a girls night to celebrate one of her best friends birthday (We love you Nikki!) and Ryan was supposedly having small group with his guys. The girls headed out to Grand Haven for some dinner and to go to the beach. Despite unpromising forecasts leading up to the day, God painted the best sunset and the weather turned out to be perfect. It was so perfect that all night Shannon was talking about how magical it was and how nothing could make the night better. Little did she know what Ryan had up his sleeve. Meanwhile and unbeknown to Shannon, Ryan gathered their families and some of their closest friends at Notos. They stalked Shannon and her friends as they made their way down the beach. Ryan eventually made his way down to intercept his girl as they were heading up to the restaurant. He walked her down to the water where got down on one knee, said a bunch of stuff neither of them remember and asked her to marry him. After she said yes, family and friends cheered from the balcony of the restaurant, which was a complete surprise to Shannon. They spent the night celebrating with our family and friends!