Ryan and Yesenia’s story starts continents apart, in worlds of different culture, language, and history. Ryan was born in Portland, OR, USA and grew up in the country outside of Oregon City – a city with a population of less than forty thousand people. Meanwhile, Yesenia was born in Bogota, Colombia. Bogota is the capital of Colombia and home to nearly eight million people. Yesenia lived in Bogota all her early life – from playing in the park of her local neighborhood to going to college at La Salle less than seven miles from her family home. Ryan grew up riding dirt bikes on his parents' property and attended college at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR. Ryan and Yesenia only had the chance to meet when Yesenia first came to the United States to learn English and immerse herself in a new culture. She quickly decided to find some new friends in US to help teach her English and show her around Portland, OR. Enter Tinder! Yesenia quickly found a guy whose profile read that he was looking to meet new people, try new things and travel the world on his flying sky bison (Yip Yip, Appa!). Ryan invited Yesenia to meet him at Bar Bar (yes, a bar named Bar Bar) for what would become their first date. Yesenia was an hour and a half late and had to leave after 30 minutes – it's a long story! Ryan left Bar Bar having enjoyed talking with Yesenia, but thoroughly convinced he would not be seeing her again. Yesenia surprised Ryan by texting him hours later and asking if he would like to see her again, to which he quickly agreed! From hiking around waterfalls to site seeing around Oregon and traveling to Colombia together, Yesenia and Ryan continued to grow their relationship. Ryan and Yesenia have enriched each other's lives in many ways. Among many things, Ryan helped teach Yesenia English and how to ride a motorcycle, while Yesenia helped teach Ryan Spanish and how to dance Salsa.
Ryan proposed to Yesenia on New Years Eve 2023 and, after nearly fainting, Yesenia said yes! Ryan and Yesenia eloped on February 2nd, 2024, but had always planned to celebrate their wedding with the most important people in their lives. Ryan and Yesenia can’t wait to celebrate with you as they say their vows in the presence of their family and closest friends.