We both moved to Charlotte, NC to attend UNC-Charlotte for our undergrad. Ryan had been working at the University area Outback Steakhouse for 3 years when Allison started working there as well. It wasn't until we became friends that we found out we actually grew up very close to each other. Working together for over a year, we developed a great friendship, along with several in our wedding party. Our first "date" was sitting on the back of Ryan's Subaru Crosstrek in the Outback parking lot after work, chatting until 4 AM...and the rest is history.

We both had to travel to California for work at the end of May 2022. We managed to have a couple extra days in California before flying back to NC. As you may know, we love to travel to different National Parks and scenic locations. After meeting together near LAX, we drove up the coast to stay in Carmel, CA for the first night so that we could see Big Sur for the following day. We drove through Big Sur, stopping at several breath-taking spots along the way and for lunch at a small restaurant with a large deck that overlooked the water. We found a pull-off spot that was empty that afternoon and took a moment to the look at the views, when Ryan pulled out the ring that he had been planning the whole time. Allison, of course, said Yes! The whole day was perfect! Ryan topped it all off with having planned a special stay in Monterey Bay at the Seven Gables Inn right on the water with more amazing views. We spent our last day in California enjoying the beach and small restaurants in Monterrey before flying out of San Francisco that evening. Truely, the best trip to date!

We can't wait to have you all join us in celebrating our love at our wedding!