Sometimes love stories start slow, but their pace is sure. Sometimes it is distance that brings you closer. Love that is meant to be always happens… eventually.
Ryan and Rebecca met met through a ministry they both served called TeenPact Leadership Schools. They were on the same staff team in Phoenix, Arizona and ran a week-long program for Jr. High and High School students. During that week, they had different assignments and barely interacted. Over the next 2 years, they would serve together in other states and slowly became friends.
Fast-forward three years. Ryan went back to Washington, and Rebecca was studying abroad in Israel. They were both interested in each other, but they were also slow-movers. When Rebecca returned from Israel, they skypped and Ryan very nervously expressed an interest in getting to know her and developing a more serious relationship. They would both hang up relieved and giddy with excitement. Thanks to the few thousand miles between them, their first date would not be until three months later. Ryan came to California and their first date would be a picnic in a park, and a coffee shop afterward. After being in separate states, countries, and timezones for 7 months, it was sweet to just be together.
For Ryan, Rebecca’s inner and outer stunning beauty stood out. He was amazed at how thoughtful and encouraging she was, the way she interacted with everyone around her and made them feel so valued and respected. She listened to people and wanted what was the best for them and truly cared. She was fun and brought joy to his life. Rebecca admired Ryan’s thoughtfulness, how quickly he served and cared for others, and how well he led others. He was kind, caring, and a strong leader.
If Ryan was sincere in his intentions, he did lie. Rebecca’s mom helped him.
Ryan told Rebecca that they would be going ring shopping, but he already had the ring. Rebecca’s mom “just happened” to have extra tickets to the Descanso Gardens in LA, so he suggested stopping by the gardens on the way. It was a beautiful, perfect day. As they were walking in the rose gardens, Ryan turned the casual stroll into a purposeful walk toward a gazebo in the center of the gardens. Rebecca immediately tensed up, and noticed the decorations her family had arranged. Ryan gave her a picture book he made about their love story (perfect for an elementary school teacher) then got down on one knee and proposed. Family and best friends came running out of the bushes to congratulate them. They were so excited that Ryan forgot to place the ring on her finger. It eventually happened…slowly…just like their Love Story.
This Story was captured by A Story in Time Photography. If you are interested in your Engagement or Wedding Story being captured, please contact us using the contact button at the top of this post or HERE.
“A picture captures a moment in life, a reason to remember, holding the ones we love….forever… in a Story in Time.”
To see all pictures from this event, please visit the Gallery.
