On another hot summer evening in July of 2023, during a weekend getaway with friends at a lake house in Wisconsin, Ryan prepared for the perfect moment. As the sun dipped behind the trees, he set up an archway framed by glowing tiki torches, casting a golden light across the path. When Allie stepped outside—still sleepy from a car nap and wrapped in her oversized sweatshirt and slippers—she had no idea what awaited her. The world seemed to pause as she saw Ryan standing beneath the arch, his eyes filled with love and anticipation. Though she may have been caught off guard by the timing (and her outfit), the moment overflowed with joy, laughter, and happy tears as Ryan took her hands and dropped to one knee.

What happened next remains a blur—they both describe it as being swept away in “an overwhelming amount of love.” Ryan’s first clear memory was of Allie taking the ring box from his hands to admire the sparkle. Before she could slip the ring out herself, Ryan gently took the box, placed the ring on her finger, and asked, “So… is that a yes?” Overcome with emotion, Allie nodded through tears of joy and fell into his arms.

Now, after more than eight years together, Allie and Ryan look back with deep gratitude on the journey that has brought them here—the laughter, the challenges, the late-night drives, and the little family they’ve built. With hearts overflowing, they joyfully step into their next chapter—trusting in God’s grace and surrounded by the steadfast love and support of their cherished family and friends.