Kristen and Ryan met in November 2022, though living in different cities, first connected through Facebook dating. Kristen lived in Wichita and Ryan in Manhattan. On their first date they met halfway in Cottonwood Falls. Ryan arrived in a rented purple Audi (since he doesn’t own a car) that they still see around on occasion in Manhattan to this day. What was meant to be a simple first date turned into hours of conversation that stretched late into the night. By the end of that evening, both of them knew something special had begun.

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Long-distance dating came first, with weekends spent bouncing between cities, meeting families, and building a life across miles. Their relationship grew through hiking, camping, exploring new places, playing Wingspan with friends, and discovering a shared love for nature and community. One of their first big adventures together was a trip to Scotland, filled with hiking, sightseeing, and unforgettable experiences that only deepened their connection.

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In 2024, their relationship faced a true test during what they now call “Renovation Year.” As Kristen prepared to move to Manhattan, Ryan was deep into converting a run-down fourplex into a shared home. Kristen jumped right in, helping with renovations while also starting a new chapter of her own with a job in Manhattan. For four months, they lived with friends while construction took over their home — a season full of dust, displacement, and dry humor. Through it all, they leaned on their community and each other, growing stronger in the process.

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On September 13th, Ryan asked Kristen to marry him out on the prairie and she said yes. These days, life looks like bike rides around town, piano and banjo music filling their home, nurturing native plants, volunteering, and spending time with their pets — Eleanor, Sophie, and Sylvie. They’re excited to gather everyone they love on April 25th to celebrate this next chapter and the life they’re building together.