how we met
Spontaneous trip to the Oregon Coast after Ryan defended his thesis- February 24, 2015
Alyssa and Ryan met during her first week at the University of Oregon when Alyssa started her Master's degree in Architecture. Ryan was Alyssa's Teaching Assistant (TA) for one of her architecture classes. He noticed her from the very first lecture, but kept a safe distance during that term. Alyssa regularly went to office hours where they got to know each other a little better. Later on at a dinner party they connected over rock climbing which is a passion they share. They started climbing together and going on long walks around Eugene, OR. Eventually, Ryan cooked a fabulous meal for Alyssa on what was their first real date, which is probably what won her heart. Alyssa's smile also won Ryan's heart that night. Over the next year they were drawn together by their shared interests in architecture, travel, family, and outdoor adventures.
the proposal
Alyssa and Ryan took a road trip around central Oregon during March 2016 Spring Break. Ryan had planned on proposing at Smith Rock where they often explored and rock climbed together. Their first stop was the waterfalls at the chilly Columbia River Gorge. Alyssa tried to warm her hands in the pockets of Ryan's down jacket, and couldn't understand why Ryan awkwardly pushed her hand away. She didn't know that this was the same pocket that Ryan was holding the ring! At the next stop, Latourell falls, Ryan realized there would never be a better time or place (and he couldn't wait any longer). As they were hugging Alyssa said she could hear his heart pounding and figured he must be out of shape... She still had no clue! As he dropped to his knee, Alyssa blurted out "of course!" and cried while she jumped up and down before he had finished asking the most beautiful question "Will you marry me?"
Oh yeah... that day was also was Ryan's birthday.
