Colleen and Ryan are Engaged!

I

t was sixth grade. Often a time where “relationships” begin and end by the following week’s lunch period, but this is when Ryan and Colleen’s friendship began. They never dated each other, but they did date each others’ best friends in high school.

Ryan and Colleen remained friends throughout the awkward middle school years, throughout high school, and somehow stayed connected into their college years–despite attending colleges states apart.

Years later, in an unpretentious bar in Louisville, Kentucky, they crossed paths again. Although they were with groups of friends, the two of them didn’t talk to anyone else the entire night. Ryan and Colleen have been together ever since.

Fast forward decades of friendship and two years of dating, Ryan and Colleen are engaged to be married! Below are some favorite engagement photos taken in San Diego, California.

Ryan, having served in the military, draped the American flag across their shoulders.

How Ryan Proposed:

Ryan was attending a work event in Los Angeles, California and the couple, along with many of their friends were staying at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Before dinner with their friends, Ryan had secretly upgraded their room. As Colleen went up to the room to get ready, she found champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for her. Ryan got down on one knee, and asked Colleen to marry him. Overcome with emotion, Colleen immediately started crying.

Still in shock, Colleen stuck out her pinky finger for Ryan to put the engagement ring on, as if they were back in elementary school and she was offering a pinky promise to him.

She was so surprised that she forgot to say, “Yes” to Ryan’s question. Ryan, finding this beautiful woman’s bewilderment endearing, had to confirm if her answer was yes before putting the diamond ring on the correct finger.

They face-timed their family and friends back home who couldn’t be happier for their engagement. Elated, the happy couple went out with their friends to celebrate their engagement with lots of champagne.

Ryan finds Colleen beautiful inside and outside. Family is the most important thing to Colleen, and she always puts others before herself. She is caring and sympathetic–great qualities that make Colleen a terrific nurse. Ryan remarks how his future wife lights up a room when she walks in, and she brings out the best in him. “I can truly say that she’s my best friend and the person I’m excited to love for the rest of my life.”

Colleen loves everything about her fiance, including his motivation in all aspects of life, his honesty, loyalty, and his sarcastic and fun personality. Both Ryan and Collen are family-oriented and is just one of the things that keep them connected. “I feel safe and at home with him. I love his loyalty, and his determination is something that continues to motivate me to be better everyday.”

The adorable couple was fun to photograph during their engagement session. With the winter fog rolling down the mountain backdrop, they looked, at-home, warm and happy in each others’ arms.

Ryan and Colleen, thank you so much for sharing your love story with me. Happy 2 Year Anniversary!! I hope that you had lots of fun on your engagement session in San Diego!

Family and friends of the happy couple, please feel free to leave a note of congratulations for Ryan and Colleen!

xoxo,

Credits:

Engagement Photographer: Kristine Marie Photography

Hair and Make-up Artist: Selena; Revive Salon and Spa