Ryan and David first met through a mutual friend’s Facebook post in 2013. The post was a quote about life, and Ryan left a comment, “Would you rather have a lot, a big home and see little of the world? Or would you rather live modestly and see a lot of the world?” David liked Ryan’s comment, and that led to Ryan adding him as a friend on Facebook. From there, they started to chat. “Once my sister asked me who this ‘Ryan’ was liking my stuff on Facebook, I removed him because I was not out at the time. Of course, he was re-added and here we are today.” David said.

In late November, the two decided to finally meet. “Ryan visited me at my college in La Crosse, Wisconsin. We went up to the scenic Granddad Bluff that overlooks the city of La Crosse, had dinner, and went to a movie.”

Their first date went off without a hitch, however, David wasn’t quite sure what Ryan really thought of him. “I later found out that he doesn’t like facial hair… and at the time, I was doing no-shave-November! I thought that Ryan was handsome, had his life in order and was a very loving and caring person. I did not think much of it at the time other than hey, this relationship is going well. Now, looking back it obviously was going so well we stuck together.”

“We are two very different people who mesh together in a way I never thought we could. We didn’t necessarily meet organically, but we met through a social media technology that wasn't always around. Technology has shrunk the world so much and allows individuals to meet people they would not normally come into contact with.” In this case, this form of technology changed their lives forever.

David and Ryan kept seeing each other from a distance, but as they approached two years of being together, David decided to move close to Ryan and they realized that this was love, this was permanent. “When we were a year or two in and David moved to Minnesota permanently in May of 2015, we realized that we were going to make this work and it has ever since.”

“On December 27th, 2019, Ryan had completed his last day at his previous job and we had closed on our new house the same day. We were enjoying our new home when Ryan brought one of our cats over to me with a ring on her collar.” At the sight of the ring, David was struck with surprise and happiness. “I was taken back a bit, confused, but then finally understood what was happening. It was warm, calm, and loving. I said 'Of course!’” With a new home and a new ring, Ryan and David entered into their engagement ready to plan their dream wedding.

Since December, they’ve begun the process of gathering quotes for venues and catering options. They’ve created their guest list and are exploring color themes. “It has been somewhat slow after getting some initial information and the current pandemic is affecting availability for venue tours and contacting potential services. It makes us excited and stressed at the same time!”

Currently, David and Ryan are still exploring venues and settling on a date. “We hope to have our wedding on a beautiful sunny day surrounded by family and friends. Our dream wedding would be somewhere in Minneapolis, and probably semi-outdoor with views of the Mississippi River, the lakes, or of the Minneapolis skyline. We will have a short ceremony with a cocktail hour and maybe some bar hopping before a wonderful reception and dance. Then, we will hit the bars until they close!”

When asked what advice they would give other couples planning their wedding, David said, “Pick a time that is right for you. Do not focus on making it a big gesture or event. Some people may expect that, but I think it is important to keep in mind that do what makes each other happy. Happiness is key along with love and support for each other.”

As Ryan and David continue to plan their wedding celebration, one thing is certain, they truly love each other and can’t wait for the day they get to say, “I do!”

“I love his confidence. His ambition to get things done and succeed. He is caring and does so much for me. He is supportive, yet challenges me to be the best person I can be. He teaches me to be respectful of others, but not to be stepped on and stick up for myself. I love his smile and his laugh when I can tell that he is stress free and living in the moment. I love when I can see his excitement for things he is passionate about. I love that he loves me.”

Ryan and David plan to marry in Minneapolis within the next year or two.

Photography by Will Moss