Ryan and Luci connected through mutual friends on their social media accounts. They communicated over the phone for a few years and decided to go on a first date while Luci was in Ryan's hometown of Grand Rapids visiting friends that she previously went on a missions trip with. They hit it off and continued to see each other long distance. Shortly after discovering that they shared the same values: their love for God and passion for ministry; they officially became a couple in February of 2022. Their desire was to pursue a relationship towards marriage. However, their plans would have to wait as Luci was called to go to the Dominican Republic in May to serve as a missionary. During this challenging time, God really used this separation to work in both of their lives to prepare their hearts for marriage. After consistent prayer, marital advice, mentorship and the blessing of their parents they knew an engagement was coming soon. Three weeks after Luci's arrival home from the DR, Ryan proposed to her in Chicago!