While home from grad school on winter break, Ryan agreed to meet Alex for lunch at Chipotle. After their hours-long lunch date, they both could tell that something was there. They took the remainder of their winter breaks to get to know each other better. 

Soon it was time for Ryan to return to school and they had a tough decision to make: will they see each other again or not?

Plot twist, they did see each other again! What would be their first valentine’s day together was approaching and Alex was determined to make a trip to visit Ryan. A four-hour road trip and a 32 oz Mtn Dew Code Red later and he arrived in Bloomington, IN. Let’s just say it was a long weekend of Netflix and chilling.

Over the next couple of years, many trips were made by both for weekend visits. The longer breaks from school when they got to spend more time together were simply the best.

After two years of grad school, Ryan graduated from Indiana University - Bloomington with a Master’s of Public Affairs and began looking for his first adult job. 

After months of application and interviews, he finds the perfect position with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

With the assistance of his parents, Ryan made the move to Madison. Thus, another year of their long-distance relationship ensued.

This last year of school was difficult as it was, but coupled with the long-distance, it was significantly more. Now that he was finished with school, the two could figure out the next step in their relationship.

Alex graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Financial Services from Maryville University, St Louis, MO.

Something was working with these two and they decided that Alex would move up to Madison and in with Ryan. With the help of his mother and her partner, Kevin, Alex made the move up to Madison. Their first apartment was a tight fit, but that would later change.

Days after moving to Madison, Alex and Ryan take a trip to Maui, HI. This was Ryan’s first vacation that far west. They were there for a week exploring the picturesque land that is Hawaii.

Knowing there was something great happening between them, they set out on the adventure of buying their first home. It took some difficult conversations trying to figure out what they wanted, but in the end, they found their perfect starter-home. 

Then it happened! With the assistance of some wonderful friends, Ryan was able to pull off the perfect surprise engagement. During St. Louis Pride 2019 under the Gateway Arch, Ryan asked Alex to spend the rest of their lives together. Of course, Alex only had one answer: YES!

We all know what the past year has been like and it was no different for these two; this included the customary quarantine haircuts.

Despite the set-backs of the COVID-19 pandemic, these two have rearranged plans several times to bring all of you together in the safest way possible. Please don’t forget to RSVP and they’ll see you there.