Ryan & Bobby: In Their Words

In March of 2015, Ryan was busy finishing up his last year of Pharmacy School with a clinical rotation at a hospital in Denver, Colorado. During his rotation, he logged into Tinder to check out the Denver dating scene, and that’s when he first connected with Bobby.

Chatting back and forth for some weeks, Ryan and Bobby decided that they would go on their first date after Ryan finished up his rotation and made the move to Denver a couple months later.

“We went on our first date the weekend before Denver Pride at a restaurant called Next Door Union Station. As I sat outside on the phone with my best friend, we started noting how late Bobby was to the date and we joked around that I had been stood up. Thirty minutes later, I see this handsome guy strolling up to me. From then on, I have habitually been late to many events since as Bobby's personality won my heart over that first date. We have been inseparable since.”

When it comes down to it, these two are meant for each other. Bobby explains, “As Ryan can be more stern, time oriented, and by-the-book so to speak, Bobby is the exact opposite. This really helps to give the perfect balance in our relationship. We both have a similar sense of humor and can make each other laugh until we are on the verge of tears. We are the best of friends who understand each other’s needs, desires and comforts.”

In September of 2017, Bobby planned a surprise proposal for Ryan in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. “We had a group of friends travel for the occasion to celebrate my 30th birthday, which  was the original reason Ryan had planned the trip. However, little did he know that I was planning to get down on one knee and ask him to spend the rest of our lives together. The first words out of his mouth after he said yes were, ‘You couldn't have told me to wear a cuter speedo?’ We will never forget that moment in our relationship.”

The wedding date was set for August 10th, 2019 and the two began planning the best day of their lives. The ceremony held traditional vows, but they included a special thank-you additional for their parents.

“To our parents: Bob, Tammy, Ken and Karen, you both embody the true meaning of unconditional love for your children. Growing up in households where we were free to be ourselves, make many mistakes, and at times drive you crazy, we always felt safe knowing you were our protectors, mentors, and parents. You are best friends for one another and growing up, we aspired to have such a relationship ourselves. Of course, we knew there was something different about ourselves, there were struggles at times where we wondered why, and if finding the love that our parents have would ever be possible. When the time came to telling you we were gay, there may have been some tears and questions of the unknown for you, but ultimately, we were both very fortunate to still have that unconditional love. Bobby and I have not only found soul mates in one another, but also best friends. We know how to love because of you as parents, and we hope to be as amazing for our children someday as you have always been for us. We owe everything we have and are to you so thank you, and we love you!”

Now husbands, Bobby and Ryan love to walk around their neighborhood when the weather is nice, indulging in a little thermos of wine, and admire the beautiful homes on the streets while discussing what they want in a house when the time comes to buy. 

The Grooms — Bobby & Ryan

Photographer — Tyler Timian, @timtimian

Wedding Planner — Joan Hannan