Riane and Mike
January 5, 2020
There is nothing better than a personal growth and development seminar to bring two people together. We were in the same seminar for a whole weekend but didn’t meet until we sat on different sides of our mutual friend, Rianne. Luckily for us she had to leave early and we got to share some things we learned about ourselves and what we wanted out of life moving forward. Pretty good ice breaker if you ask me!
I knew right away I was crushing hard on Mike, and luckily he was too. We led with our hearts and in the span of two short months I love you’s were exchanged, parents were met, and we became officially official. Not too long after, we bought a house and moved in together. We managed to overhaul the house and live in it for 6 months before Mike’s dream career opportunity brought us to Northern California. Nothing like a cross country move to test the bounds of your relationship and bring you closer together.
What better setting than a clear cold day checking in at the Park Hyatt Chicago! The anticipation was killing me and I was so excited to show Riane the view from our room. Let me paint the picture, the room had a massive picture window looking out to the historic water tower and Lake Michigan with snow on the ground. The sun was setting and the city lights began to illuminate the streets. Our view out of the window was a Christmas tree in the historic water tower square. My heart was racing and I needed a diversion to get the ring out of my backpack so, I asked Riane if she needed to use the restroom before we left for dinner? Of course this time she said, “No” I am ready to go. Riane headed towards the door and I quickly got the ring out of my backpack. I thought this was such a smooth move until I asked her to come back by the picture window to look at the amazing views of the city. Riane in her most loving and hangry growl said, "I'm hungry, and I don't want to look out the window"..."I need food.” I said, "but I have another surprise for you" and Riane quickly changed her entire mood and said, "I like surprises.” I got on one knee and asked Riane to Marry Me and she said YES! Then we celebrated with an amazing dinner at the Purple Pig and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city!
Jan 5
2020
TO 10:00 pm
Chris and I became friends while we were both working at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. I was attending UCF while Chris was a recent graduate of UCF and working as a Conference Coordinator at the Gaylord Palms. It didn't take us long to figure out we had so many of the same interests and experiences growing up. It's always comical when we get together because inevitably we figure out another thing that we both like and Chris always says, "see that's why we are best friends, we are like the same person! For example, we both grew up in Safety Harbor, Florida and attended the same middle school. As our friendship progressed it was amazing to find out more similarities we had in common. Chris and I both competed in swimming during our high school years and we attended the same University just to name a few! Our friendship continues to evolve and I am excited to have him standing next to me on the big day!
Ryan and I met while we were attending Manatee Community College, volunteering to renovate someone's home who was in need of some help. We worked all day painting and building until it was dark outside. When it came time to leave, Ryan jumped in his red mustang and accidentally hit a parked tree. He got out of his mustang so upset that he ripped off his shirt like Hulk Hoagan! That's when I thought to myself, dang I need to be friends with this guy. I needed a body guard considering my celebrity status as a Target electronics person selling all of those new PS2 machines. Just so happens that a few days later Ryan was in Target looking to buy a video game and I said, hey arn't you the guy who hit the tree. After that we were inseperable and always hanging out and making trips to Orlando to ride the newest roller coaster. Ryan has always been a great friend and I am super excited to have him standing by my side while I take the next big step in my life.
Travis and I became friends back during Sophomore year at Cardinal Mooney High School where we both tried out for the swim team. We were competative in everything we did and I could always count on Travis to get in some serious shinanighans. One thing is for sure, when I hung out with Travis I was always guarenteed to have a great time! When it came time to graduate High School, we took an epic cruise to Mexico and had the time of our lives! No matter where we move away to, it always seems fitting that we end up in the same area again. The great thing about our friendship is no matter how long it's been since we have talked, it always feels like it was yesterday and I will forever be grateful for this. I have known Travis the longest and it's amazing to have him standing by me after all these years.
Ryan and I met at a UCF Alumni football watch party when we were all gathered around in small group circle after a touch down and Ryan is yelling out "infuse yourself with Gold" while we all did a shot of Goldshlager! After this we continued to hangout at UCF watch parties and other events. Quickly we realized we both had the passion for woodworking and building things. Our friendship evolved over the years while we hung out at his backyard parties or when we were working on building his two story garage apartment. Some of my fondest times with Ryan was when we built the custom cedar pergola and railings to his garage apartment. A day I will never forget is when he invited a group of us over to have dinner on the large deck we had built. He surprised me with an engraved plague that said, "McClatchy Terrace" and it had his thanks incribed on the plaque. Ryan quickly became my closest friend in Austin and I am honored to have him standing next to me.
