It all began in the spring of 2007 (possibly the fall of 2006...but we're pretty sure the spring of 2007)...
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Laurel and Ryan met in college at the University of Chicago, possibly in the fall of 2006 through fraternity and sorority interactions, but definitely by the spring of 2007. That's more than 14 years ago! Look at those baby faces! Laurel was active in Delta Gamma and Ryan was the social chair of DKE and their mutual friend Sanju thought they were kindred spirits and should meet.
Laurel and Ryan met in college at the University of Chicago, possibly in the fall of 2006 through fraternity and sorority interactions, but definitely by the spring of 2007. That's more than 14 years ago! Look at those baby faces! Laurel was active in Delta Gamma and Ryan was the social chair of DKE and their mutual friend Sanju thought they were kindred spirits and should meet.
Laurel coached Ryan's fraternity team in the Delta Gamma annual fundraising water olympics and there was a lot of silliness and joking around. They connected over things like their mutual interest in Three 6 Mafia. Laurel thought Ryan had a clever sense of humor and a sweet smile and Ryan thought Laurel was "Southern Belle" (haha) with a goofy streak.
Laurel coached Ryan's fraternity team in the Delta Gamma annual fundraising water olympics and there was a lot of silliness and joking around. They connected over things like their mutual interest in Three 6 Mafia. Laurel thought Ryan had a clever sense of humor and a sweet smile and Ryan thought Laurel was "Southern Belle" (haha) with a goofy streak.
They liked each other a lot. These photos were taken in Laurel's freshman dorm room, where as a 3rd year living off campus Ryan deigned to spend time with a freshman. They attended a fraternity semi formal together and Ryan even cooked Laurel dinner. Alas, the timing wasn't quite right and despite mutual interest it would be a few years before they reconnected in earnest.
They liked each other a lot. These photos were taken in Laurel's freshman dorm room, where as a 3rd year living off campus Ryan deigned to spend time with a freshman. They attended a fraternity semi formal together and Ryan even cooked Laurel dinner. Alas, the timing wasn't quite right and despite mutual interest it would be a few years before they reconnected in earnest.
Laurel left school for a year and wrote Ryan a postcard from Nigeria. There is also Facebook evidence (LOOOOONG messages exchanged) of continued communication and a desire to stay in touch. The flamed still burned even from thousands of miles, different cities and countries, and nearly six years apart before finally really spending time together! Neither forgot the connection they felt.
Laurel left school for a year and wrote Ryan a postcard from Nigeria. There is also Facebook evidence (LOOOOONG messages exchanged) of continued communication and a desire to stay in touch. The flamed still burned even from thousands of miles, different cities and countries, and nearly six years apart before finally really spending time together! Neither forgot the connection they felt.
After graduating and living in D.C. where he found work as a teacher, Ryan moved back to Chicago in 2012 and Laurel found out he would be at the St. Patrick's Day party of mutual friends. She couldn't stay long because she had to waitress later in the evening, but she didn't want to miss the opportunity to "bump into" Ryan, especially now she was newly single and they were both in Chicago. They spent more than an hour sitting and talking ignoring the loud party around them, and immediately recognized an ease of comfort and sense of belonging with each other.
After graduating and living in D.C. where he found work as a teacher, Ryan moved back to Chicago in 2012 and Laurel found out he would be at the St. Patrick's Day party of mutual friends. She couldn't stay long because she had to waitress later in the evening, but she didn't want to miss the opportunity to "bump into" Ryan, especially now she was newly single and they were both in Chicago. They spent more than an hour sitting and talking ignoring the loud party around them, and immediately recognized an ease of comfort and sense of belonging with each other.
It was like they never stopped hanging out! They set up a time to get together the following weekend where they met at a Chance the Rapper concert in Chicago. Ryan had to make a move and kissed Laurel to avoid the very real possibility of being friend-zoned by the ever indecisive Laurel. This time would be different! He's a smart guy and his strategy was sound.
It was like they never stopped hanging out! They set up a time to get together the following weekend where they met at a Chance the Rapper concert in Chicago. Ryan had to make a move and kissed Laurel to avoid the very real possibility of being friend-zoned by the ever indecisive Laurel. This time would be different! He's a smart guy and his strategy was sound.
They pretty much never stopped hangout out after that. Three weeks later at Easter, Laurel didn't have any plans, so Ryan invited her to his parents house in Rogers Park, Chicago, where she met his entire family and they took his cousins to an Easter Bulls game. She felt welcomed by his family and got to enjoy a special conversation with his Grandpa Bunky that she will always treasure.
They pretty much never stopped hangout out after that. Three weeks later at Easter, Laurel didn't have any plans, so Ryan invited her to his parents house in Rogers Park, Chicago, where she met his entire family and they took his cousins to an Easter Bulls game. She felt welcomed by his family and got to enjoy a special conversation with his Grandpa Bunky that she will always treasure.
In May, Ryan was the best man at Selvan and Shefali's wedding. Laurel told Ryan that he could introduce her at the wedding as his girlfriend, which Laurel intended to mean "I am your girlfriend now", but Ryan understood to mean "You can introduce me to people as your girlfriend so it's not awkward, but really we're just dating". He was very confused and it was, in fact, really awkward when he introduced her as his "girlfriend". They clarified on the drive home from the wedding and everyone was relieved to be on the same page and happy to be in an "official" relationship together.
In May, Ryan was the best man at Selvan and Shefali's wedding. Laurel told Ryan that he could introduce her at the wedding as his girlfriend, which Laurel intended to mean "I am your girlfriend now", but Ryan understood to mean "You can introduce me to people as your girlfriend so it's not awkward, but really we're just dating". He was very confused and it was, in fact, really awkward when he introduced her as his "girlfriend". They clarified on the drive home from the wedding and everyone was relieved to be on the same page and happy to be in an "official" relationship together.
Ryan got to know Laurel's family as well and would sometimes visit her while she was nannying for her cousins Rory and Molly in Bucktown, Chicago. Rory and Molly loved Ryan's willingness to cook with/for them. So did Laurel. She has become increasingly reliant on his cooking abilities since early in their relationship and its now unclear whether she could keep herself alive without his care. In the least, her life would be much less delicious.
Ryan got to know Laurel's family as well and would sometimes visit her while she was nannying for her cousins Rory and Molly in Bucktown, Chicago. Rory and Molly loved Ryan's willingness to cook with/for them. So did Laurel. She has become increasingly reliant on his cooking abilities since early in their relationship and its now unclear whether she could keep herself alive without his care. In the least, her life would be much less delicious.
Early dates included going to draft day at Soldier Field where Laurel impressed Ryan by kicking a field goal and generally showing off her athletic prowess and football smarts.
Early dates included going to draft day at Soldier Field where Laurel impressed Ryan by kicking a field goal and generally showing off her athletic prowess and football smarts.
They became solid wedding dates for one another!
They became solid wedding dates for one another!
After a year of bike commutes between Hyde Park or Logan Square and Rogers Park, they moved in together in an apartment not far from Lake Michigan in Hyde Park, while Laurel worked on finishing her degree and Ryan taught at Near North Montessori.
After a year of bike commutes between Hyde Park or Logan Square and Rogers Park, they moved in together in an apartment not far from Lake Michigan in Hyde Park, while Laurel worked on finishing her degree and Ryan taught at Near North Montessori.
Laurel not only fell in love with Ryan, but also with his family.
Laurel not only fell in love with Ryan, but also with his family.
They took roadtrips "out West" and started to wonder what it would be like to explore some place new.
They took roadtrips "out West" and started to wonder what it would be like to explore some place new.
They went to all the nice restaurants and fancy ice cream places they could afford.
They went to all the nice restaurants and fancy ice cream places they could afford.
They attended rodeos!
They attended rodeos!
Hiked in Flagstaff!
Hiked in Flagstaff!
Visited big trees!
Visited big trees!
Finally, after a year of planning, they packed up the Hyde Park apartment, fit everything they could into two small cars, left one in Nashville with Laurel's parents and took the other on a 3 month roadtrip to try to figure out where they might land.
Finally, after a year of planning, they packed up the Hyde Park apartment, fit everything they could into two small cars, left one in Nashville with Laurel's parents and took the other on a 3 month roadtrip to try to figure out where they might land.
Here they are during the planning stages of this grand adventure, on Ryan's 29th birthday in Chicago.
Here they are during the planning stages of this grand adventure, on Ryan's 29th birthday in Chicago.
Laurel completed her long-awaited degree from the University of Chicago. Ryan's Grandma Bear hosted a lovely graduation party for Laurel at her house in Chicago where both families gathered. (Pictured: Laurel's mom helping her dad out with a hair fluff during Laurel's graduation ceremony)
Laurel completed her long-awaited degree from the University of Chicago. Ryan's Grandma Bear hosted a lovely graduation party for Laurel at her house in Chicago where both families gathered. (Pictured: Laurel's mom helping her dad out with a hair fluff during Laurel's graduation ceremony)
After Laurel's graduation, Ryan and Laurel took off across I-90 and spent their first night with no home in the Bandlands of South Dakota.
After Laurel's graduation, Ryan and Laurel took off across I-90 and spent their first night with no home in the Bandlands of South Dakota.
On that big roadtrip and many others since, Laurel and Ryan have visited friends and family in Tucson, California, Phoenix, Albuquerque, South Carolina, Idaho, Colorado, and beyond! (Pictured: Ryan and Laurel with Ryan's Grandma Linda and Grandpa Gordon).
On that big roadtrip and many others since, Laurel and Ryan have visited friends and family in Tucson, California, Phoenix, Albuquerque, South Carolina, Idaho, Colorado, and beyond! (Pictured: Ryan and Laurel with Ryan's Grandma Linda and Grandpa Gordon).
Ryan and Laurel with Ryan's Papa Bobby and Grandma Michelle and pups in Surprise, AZ.
Ryan and Laurel with Ryan's Papa Bobby and Grandma Michelle and pups in Surprise, AZ.
They've been hosted by family from far and wide, like Ryan's Uncle John, Aunt Mireya, & Cousin Max in Temecula, CA.
They've been hosted by family from far and wide, like Ryan's Uncle John, Aunt Mireya, & Cousin Max in Temecula, CA.
They got dressed up for Laurel's cousin Libby and husband Dax's wedding on a return visit to Chicago.
They got dressed up for Laurel's cousin Libby and husband Dax's wedding on a return visit to Chicago.
They camped and climbed in Death Valley, one of many national parks they've visited.
They camped and climbed in Death Valley, one of many national parks they've visited.
They've come back East for visits at the bucolic Earth First Farms in Berrien Center, MI.
They've come back East for visits at the bucolic Earth First Farms in Berrien Center, MI.
And visited Breslin Farms with Molly and Sam in Illinois.
And visited Breslin Farms with Molly and Sam in Illinois.
They were doing so much roadtripping they realized they really needed a bed on the road, so they handcrafted a perfect solution.
They were doing so much roadtripping they realized they really needed a bed on the road, so they handcrafted a perfect solution.
Who needs a backseat when you have a bed in the back (Pictured: Ryan and his mom Denise).
Who needs a backseat when you have a bed in the back (Pictured: Ryan and his mom Denise).
Many visits back to Rogers Park, Chicago just devolved into everyone playing with Ryan's nephew Zain and the pets on floor. (Pictured: Ryan's sister Sydney, dad Tom and poodle Lupa).
Many visits back to Rogers Park, Chicago just devolved into everyone playing with Ryan's nephew Zain and the pets on floor. (Pictured: Ryan's sister Sydney, dad Tom and poodle Lupa).
After living in Flagstaff for a year, Ryan and Laurel found a "tiny house" on Craigslist that seemed like a good idea. So they bought it, towed it, & parked it. Home sweet home for 18 months!
After living in Flagstaff for a year, Ryan and Laurel found a "tiny house" on Craigslist that seemed like a good idea. So they bought it, towed it, & parked it. Home sweet home for 18 months!
It was close quarters, but life was good. Ryan misses the days of simple living in the tiny house - a single extension cord, a wood stove, and no running water.
It was close quarters, but life was good. Ryan misses the days of simple living in the tiny house - a single extension cord, a wood stove, and no running water.
They also had to buy a loud truck to tow their new house.
They also had to buy a loud truck to tow their new house.
Laurel loved seeing the stars from the loft window and hearing elk calls from directly outside, but is also glad to have a permanent desk and running water while she completes nursing school.
Laurel loved seeing the stars from the loft window and hearing elk calls from directly outside, but is also glad to have a permanent desk and running water while she completes nursing school.
While they lived in Arizona, they made trips to the Grand Canyon, and Tucson to see Laurel's Aunt Jujy and Uncle Sparky, and explored and fished near Lee's Ferry in Arizona.
While they lived in Arizona, they made trips to the Grand Canyon, and Tucson to see Laurel's Aunt Jujy and Uncle Sparky, and explored and fished near Lee's Ferry in Arizona.
After three years living in Flagstaff, they began searching for a place with better fishing and a university where Laurel could attend nursing school and Ryan could get his MEd. The price was right at Idaho State University in Pocatello. They moved to Idaho.
After three years living in Flagstaff, they began searching for a place with better fishing and a university where Laurel could attend nursing school and Ryan could get his MEd. The price was right at Idaho State University in Pocatello. They moved to Idaho.
They came home for Christmases (also Laurel experimented with new hairstyles and Ryan tried a different beard look).
They came home for Christmases (also Laurel experimented with new hairstyles and Ryan tried a different beard look).
At some point, Ryan became a part of Laurel's family too.
At some point, Ryan became a part of Laurel's family too.
Thanks to a generous gift of two rods before their move West, from family friend and casting instructor, John Breslin, Ryan became obsessed with fly fishing. Summer fishing and backpacking trips to Montana have been one of Laurel and Ryan's favorite past times, which is why they are having their wedding in MT and hope to move there very soon!
Thanks to a generous gift of two rods before their move West, from family friend and casting instructor, John Breslin, Ryan became obsessed with fly fishing. Summer fishing and backpacking trips to Montana have been one of Laurel and Ryan's favorite past times, which is why they are having their wedding in MT and hope to move there very soon!
Ryan's brother Spencer and his wife Liza have visited Idaho and Yellowstone on a trip that included camping, hiking, and even seeing a mama and baby black bears.
Ryan's brother Spencer and his wife Liza have visited Idaho and Yellowstone on a trip that included camping, hiking, and even seeing a mama and baby black bears.
In addition to fly fishing out West, Laurel and Ryan have done some ice fishing in Mercer, Wisconsin.
In addition to fly fishing out West, Laurel and Ryan have done some ice fishing in Mercer, Wisconsin.
One Easter, Ryan's parents, Tom and Denise, visited Laurel's family lakehouse at Kebu in Mt. Juliet, TN.
One Easter, Ryan's parents, Tom and Denise, visited Laurel's family lakehouse at Kebu in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Ryan and Laurel have had other visitors in Idaho. (Pictured: Laurel and Ryan with Laurel's parents, Russanne and Julian, at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho).
Ryan and Laurel have had other visitors in Idaho. (Pictured: Laurel and Ryan with Laurel's parents, Russanne and Julian, at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho).
Eventually Laurel got to thinking: These five years together have been so wonderful...maybe we should make it a permanent thing. She even sought advice from friends who'd made proposals and got to talk to her brother Julian who was also planning a proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Colby.
Eventually Laurel got to thinking: These five years together have been so wonderful...maybe we should make it a permanent thing. She even sought advice from friends who'd made proposals and got to talk to her brother Julian who was also planning a proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Colby.
On a solo trip home to Nashville in the Spring of 2019 she crafted some rings (with the help of a talented jeweler and metalsmith) and stashed them away til a backpacking trip in Canyonlands National Park in Utah in May. On a beautiful cliff overlooking an epic scene, Laurel proposed to Ryan. He said YES!
On a solo trip home to Nashville in the Spring of 2019 she crafted some rings (with the help of a talented jeweler and metalsmith) and stashed them away til a backpacking trip in Canyonlands National Park in Utah in May. On a beautiful cliff overlooking an epic scene, Laurel proposed to Ryan. He said YES!
Now you might be thinking, isn't it the man who usually proposes to the woman. Well, first of all, we try not to subscribe to gendered norms and stereotypes, but also, Ryan loves surprises and Laurel does not, and I'll have you know that Ryan was completely and joyously surprised.
Now you might be thinking, isn't it the man who usually proposes to the woman. Well, first of all, we try not to subscribe to gendered norms and stereotypes, but also, Ryan loves surprises and Laurel does not, and I'll have you know that Ryan was completely and joyously surprised.
On other occasions they've taken trips with Laurel's family to Destin, Florida, and Havana, Cuba.
On other occasions they've taken trips with Laurel's family to Destin, Florida, and Havana, Cuba.
With Ryan's family they've traveled to Mercer, WI and Siena, Italy.
With Ryan's family they've traveled to Mercer, WI and Siena, Italy.
They met friends at Frontier Days in Wyoming.
They met friends at Frontier Days in Wyoming.
They even left the camping gear at home and got dressed up for their friend Rob's 30th birthday in Vegas.
They even left the camping gear at home and got dressed up for their friend Rob's 30th birthday in Vegas.
Ryan's parents hosted Laurel's family at Earth First Farms for pancakes and a little intro to organic ochard-ing.
Ryan's parents hosted Laurel's family at Earth First Farms for pancakes and a little intro to organic ochard-ing.
Laurel and Ryan traveled back to Nashville for the weddings of Timothy and Mary, Sara and Brendan, and William and Kristin.
Laurel and Ryan traveled back to Nashville for the weddings of Timothy and Mary, Sara and Brendan, and William and Kristin.
They spent a Thanksgiving at the house of friends Timothy and Mary in Portland, OR.
They spent a Thanksgiving at the house of friends Timothy and Mary in Portland, OR.
They made sure not to miss a new Star Wars movie with Ryan's family.
They made sure not to miss a new Star Wars movie with Ryan's family.
They spent time with Laurel's Uncle Russell in Nashville and Taos, NM.
They spent time with Laurel's Uncle Russell in Nashville and Taos, NM.
They camped in Montana with friends from Flagstaff, Sara and Danny and their dog Indee.
They camped in Montana with friends from Flagstaff, Sara and Danny and their dog Indee.
They've seen some cousins along the way, though they still have more to visit! (Pictured: Ryan with cousins Camden and Decklan)
They've seen some cousins along the way, though they still have more to visit! (Pictured: Ryan with cousins Camden and Decklan)
Laurel's family traveled by RV to Idaho to visit on Laurel and Ryan on the occasion of her 32nd birthday.
Laurel's family traveled by RV to Idaho to visit on Laurel and Ryan on the occasion of her 32nd birthday.
It's been a pretty incredible ride and Ryan and Laurel are SO very excited to host many of these friends and family (though not all, damn you COVID!) at Larchalope in June. They know Montana is far, their venue is remote, and the world is uncertain. Even so, they have been dreaming of this event for two years now. After the strangeness of 2020, more than ever they recognize how important their friends and family are to them. They hope that their wedding can be a celebration of their love for each other and the commitment they're making to one other, as well as an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of the friends and family in their lives. They wish they could kidnap all of their loved ones and move them onto a commune somewhere in Montana, but since that seems ill-advised, they hope you'll join them for Larchalope.
It's been a pretty incredible ride and Ryan and Laurel are SO very excited to host many of these friends and family (though not all, damn you COVID!) at Larchalope in June. They know Montana is far, their venue is remote, and the world is uncertain. Even so, they have been dreaming of this event for two years now. After the strangeness of 2020, more than ever they recognize how important their friends and family are to them. They hope that their wedding can be a celebration of their love for each other and the commitment they're making to one other, as well as an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of the friends and family in their lives. They wish they could kidnap all of their loved ones and move them onto a commune somewhere in Montana, but since that seems ill-advised, they hope you'll join them for Larchalope.
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