"We're getting married"

Our story began in the most unlikely of places, WHS wrestling room. Amidst the sweat and the discipline of practice, a connection sparked between us that would define the rest of our lives. We were young and fueled by a "world against us" kind of love. Life moved fast for us, we welcomed our child into the world while we were still finding our own footing. Though we were young parents, that early bond cemented our roles as a team. We weren't just growing up, we were growing up together. Every marriage-to-be has its tests, but ours came in waves that felt insurmountable. The loss of Ryan’s father left a void that was hard to fill, and in the shadow of that grief, a long and difficult battle down the wrong path began. For years, our path was clouded by struggle. It was a season of pain, uncertainty, and heavy lifting. However, it was within that darkness that Ryan found his greatest strength. By seeking help and choosing the difficult road of recovery, he rediscovered what had been there all along. The realization that his family. Manu and their children was the heartbeat of his world. We didn't just survive those years. we fought our way back to each other. Today, we stand here not just as partners, but as survivors. We are living proof that healing is possible and that love, when rooted in forgiveness and tenacity, can conquer the heaviest of burdens. As we look toward our future, we see a life built on the solid ground we fought so hard to find. We look forward to more "boring" days, more laughter, and the quiet joy of watching our family grow in health and happiness. Our past is a part of us, but our future is wide open and we are walking into it hand-in-hand.