Hailey Brianna McKay was born in Bellingham, Washington, but was raised in Boise, Idaho. She grew up with a wonderful Dad, Brian, and a loving Mom, Judy. They molded much of her aspirations, goals, and personality. Hailey was also heavily influenced by her loving and teasing brother, Spencer, who married an amazing sister-in-law, Klara. Spencer and Klara have been such an inspiration to Hailey through the years. Growing up, many of Hailey's hobbies formed around the arts. She loves music and playing the piano and violin. She works with ceramics and glaze painting, along with many other art mediums. As of recently, Hailey has developed a love for board games! Hailey's education took her to the University of Idaho where she got her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Art and Pre-Health. After graduation, Hailey has been pursuing work in the education field. She is currently a teacher at a local daycare and aspires to work with kids in the years to come. In the past year, Hailey has been blessed with many wonderful people in her life. She has been impacted greatly by her groom, friends, church community, and family. Thank you to all for being on this journey.
Ryland Matthew Hoit was born in Escondido, California to his parents Matthew and Selina Hoit. Shortly afterward, the Hoit family moved back to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where Ryland would grow up and consider his hometown. Ryland has two sisters on Earth, Aria and Kaelah, a brother-in-law, Riley, and a sister in heaven, Brielle. In order from oldest to youngest, the Hoit kids are as follows: Aria (married to Riley so technically no longer a Hoit), Ryland, Brielle, and Kaelah. Growing up, Ryland was encouraged by his parents to pursue a variety of hobbies. The ones that stuck around were playing piano and racquet sports (namely, pickleball). With the help of some friends, he also picked up a love for board games and video games. Currently, Ryland is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Idaho. He is set to graduate Spring of 2025 where he then hopes to either start working full-time or pursue a Master's Degree. The biggest blessing in Ryland's life (aside from Christ) has been this incredible journey with Hailey. He has always wanted to be a husband, so it has meant the world to him to have found such an amazing woman to share that journey with. Thank you to all who have been on that journey and Ryland and Hailey cannot wait to see you on August 9th!
It all started with pickleball. Hailey met Ryland's sister, Aria, in a pickleball class at the University of Idaho. After becoming great friends, Aria saw something in Hailey and knew she had to meet Ryland. Aria decided to start up a board game group with Hailey, Ryland, her now-husband Riley, and herself that met every week. After a semester of board games, laughs, and snacks, Hailey and Ryland got to know each other pretty well. They started riding to church together and spending time with each others' friend groups. On February 16th, Hailey and Ryland went on their first date and talked for hours in the car. By March 1st, they had made their relationship official. Ryland was fantastic at asking meaningful questions, and Hailey was a phenomenal comfort and DJ. They bonded over their love for God, their passion for a family, and a shared love for tea. These and other shared goals and passions brought Hailey and Ryland closer together, but their differences also became a valued strength in their relationship. Hailey's creativity mixed with Ryland's insightfulness and determination strengthen each other like iron sharpens iron. At this current stage of life, Hailey and Ryland enjoy relaxing evenings where they make dinner, watch shows, and talk about life. They also value time with friends from church, families back home, and the occasional adventurous trip. They are so excited for what God has to offer them in this next chapter of life, and they are excited to face those experiences together.
The idea of marriage started with lots of discussions and the reality that with Ryland's school, the most convenient time for marriage was in the summer. Both ready to make the commitment, Hailey and Ryland chose to aim for the Summer of 2024. After asking Judy and Spencer for Hailey's hand over Christmas break (and getting approval!), Ryland started the search for a beautiful ring to fit his beautiful bride-to-be. With help from his mom and quite a few back-and-forth trips to Coeur d'Alene, Ryland landed on an amazing ring. With the ring in hand, it was time to plan the proposal. Ryland knew he wanted to propose on March 2nd since it would be the day after Hailey and his one year dating anniversary. Following Spencer and Klara's advice, he had Hailey plan their dating anniversary trip, so she unknowingly planned a good portion of her proposal. Ryland also left plenty of red herrings about the proposal being the weekend afterward to throw Hailey off the scent that March 2nd was the big day. Hailey and Ryland made plans to go to Tacoma to watch a classical concert by Northwest Sinfonietta. With Christian and Kathy Overman, Ryland's grandparents, living in the area, friends and family began to help Ryland brainstorm the perfect proposal. On Hailey and Ryland's dating anniversary (March 1st), they drove over to Tacoma together. With lots of great snacks, laughs, and songs, they made it over to an Airbnb where Hailey stayed while Ryland went over to stay at his grandparents' house. The next morning, Hailey got to sleep in while Ryland talked with his grandparents about setting up the perfect proposal. Christian and Kathy live on a lake with a beautiful dock where the proposal would take place. Together, they placed string lights and candles along the dock to set the perfect mood for the proposal. With the proposal set up, Ryland went over to the Airbnb and picked up some Waffle Stop for breakfast. They took the morning and afternoon pretty easy, eating breakfast and watching Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, a movie made by one of their favorite producers, Studio Ghibli. Hailey and Ryland got ready for dinner, putting on fancy clothes in preparation for the concert. Dinner reservations were made at Over the Moon Cafe, where they were seated in a romantic, low-lit restaurant with rose petals on the table. Hailey and Ryland would both agree that this restaurant some of the best food they have ever had. After dinner, Hailey and Ryland walked over to Riatlo Theater, where Northwest Sinfonietta performed Pictures at an Exhibition. The music was incredible and enchanting. Then, Ryland had told Hailey that they were headed over to visit his grandparents since they were in the area. When they arrived, Ryland led Hailey around to the back where the beautifully lit dock stood above the water. Heart pounding, Ryland walked Hailey across the water, where he then dropped to one knee and asked the big question.... And she said yes! Now Hailey and Ryland are looking forward to their Summer wedding where they are so excited to be celebrating with their family and friends. See you in Spokane!