Their love story began in Vail, CO in Summer 2012. Ryan and Chelsea met at the top of Vail Mountain’s Gondola 19, where they both worked at Eagle’s Nest. Flirtatious banter was exchanged one day over some ahi tuna nachos, with wasabi guacamole Ryan had prepared. He saved a little extra for the beautiful, blue eyed blonde he had a keen eye for. Chelsea moved to Vail, fresh off her adventures in Grand Teton National Park and Ryan from Stillwater, MN. After many times camping, late nights on the roof of Timber Ridge, hanging by the river, disc golf and hiking, Ryan and Chelsea made it official on New Year’s Eve. These two Midwesterners had no idea of the adventures in store for them! From their first backpacking trip into Zion National Park, to a month traveling in Peru and South Africa, Chelsea and Ryan built a bond through every step, which will last a lifetime. Seven years later, Ryan got the courage to make it permanent while on vacation in Tennessee. He produced the perfect scenario to ask for Chelsea’s hand in marriage at the Grand Ole Opry seeing one of their favorite artists, Craig Morgan. However, Ryan did not account for outdoor security at the venue, so, with ring in pocket, he audibled to a photo booth at a nearby Dave and Busters… Chelsea said YES!

In Summer 2017, the couple adopted Rayla. Their good friends, Danielle and Henry, were fostering the six week old Siamese beauty and asked Chelsea to watch her for a few days. Ray won their hearts over instantly and the rest was history. Rayla is big on traveling, back scratches, cheese, and being outdoors, just like her parents.