We can't wait to celebrate our day with you!

Let's meet with instigators first: Hannah and Dustin Struckman, and Natasha and Jared Thelemann! Dustin and Ryan attended MSU, Mankato and met in their Law Enforcement courses connecting over extended family that grew up with Dustin and a love for the outdoors. Hannah and Ryan met by way of Dustin and became great friends. Jared is Alyssa's cousin who used to "babysit" her and her siblings but spent countless hours on the lake, camping, and simply growing up together. Natasha and Jared met and she fit into the family like it was always meant to be and they got married. Dustin and Jared work together which is how it all begins to come full circle. Ryan attended a few events with Dustin and Hannah that Jared and Natasha were also at. Natasha and Jared thought, this guy is alright who could we set him up with? "We instantly thought of Alyssa! but... she was living in Michigan." Fast forward to 2019 when Alyssa moved home from Michigan and Ryan had started working full-time as a deputy. At the end of October 2019 Natasha text Alyssa, "How would you feel about being setup on a date?" Simultaneously, Hannah was texting Ryan, "How about going on a date?" shortly into the texting game of telephone from Alyssa to Natasha, Natasha to Hannah, and Hannah to Ryan both Ryan and I said, "I would love to if the other person is interested, what do we have to lose!" Ryan text Alyssa that same night, "Hey Alyssa. This is Ryan, I've heard from a few people you're pretty awesome and that I should see for myself. Haha" Alyssa Responded, "Hey, Ryan! I have also heard that you are pretty great. I guess it's probably time we figure out for ourselves! lol" And so it began!

Ryan and Alyssa would much rather spend time doing things together than buying each other gifts. Ryan mentioned being that our birthdays are 1 year and 1 month apart, to the day, that maybe we should go on a trip instead of buying gifts. I thought that was a great idea and the hunt for the perfect cabin near some water started. We found a few options and ultimately decided that a cabin on the shore of Lake Superior in Tofte, MN was the perfect spot to get away. We packed the truck, and headed north taking the scenic route along the shore! We spent the drive looking at the water and taking in the natural beauty of northern Minnesota and of course talking. Our first stop was Castle Danger Brewery for lunch, next we stopped at Gooseberry State Park to look at the falls. The next stop was Split Rock Lighthouse were we took a hike to the shore and soaked up some sun. We finally got to Tofte and moved into the cabin to just relax and spend some time together. The next day we went for lunch and a little drive along the shore. Ryan had made dinner reservations (even though this was Alyssa responsibility for the trip) and we were all ready for dinner with a few hours to spare. Ryan said, "Well, we are never going to look better than we do right now, let's go down to the deck at the cliff and take some pictures!" I said, "Great Idea!" and we made our way towards the water. When we got to the deck, there was a bottle of champagne, some wine, glasses and huge smile on Ryan's face. As I turned around to ask how he set this all up and said, "I have may ways," while he was getting down on one knee! I began to cry at no surprise to him. After I said, "Of course, Yes!" he put the ring on my finger and pulled out a handful of Kleenex. He knows me so well! It was the perfect proposal with the best backdrop and most importantly the man of my dreams!