How It All Began

How did you first meet?

Ryan & Gabby: We first met at a conference in New York City in May 2023. We were both speaking at one of the largest consumer conferences on Wall Street. Following that conference we followed each other on Instagram but it was all very professional and we did not see each other again until March of 2024.

What were your first impressions of each other?

Ryan: I thought she was incredibly impressive on stage, she was confident, smart, and a force to be reckoned with. Needless to say, she made an impression which made me want to track her down on Instagram.

Gabrielle: He was a very good listener, extremely down to earth, and he genuinely wanted to get to know me. I fell in love with his Midwestern values and our shared interest in health and wellness.

What was your first date like, and when did you realize this was something special?

Our first dinner was technically a “business meeting” in Miami in April of 2024. Somewhere around the halfway point, though, the conversation shifted from business to our personal lives. I remember telling her that my mom had always wanted me to marry a Catholic girl and she made sure to tell me she was single.  Since that night we have spoken every day.

Gabrielle: I realized we had so much in common! We could have stayed at the restaurant talking all night. Even so early on we really enjoyed each other's company, which was a precursor to our deep friendship as a soon-to-be-married couple! 

What are three defining moments in your relationship that brought you closer together?

Ryan: There have been so many, but moving in together that same year as we closed on our new house and I sold my house on the exact same day, making it a pretty memorable day all around. And, of course, getting Posie, our fur baby, who has become such a special part of our lives and our family.

Gabrielle: I know it's cliche to say "it was just easy," but even through the highs and lows of life; We both know we’ll always have each other's back, which makes coming home after a hard day easier.

What do you admire most about one another, and what makes your relationship work?

Ryan: We prioritize each other and genuinely make one another better. She is my best friend, and I admire how smart, driven, caring, and supportive she is. We celebrate each other’s successes, support each other through the challenges, and never stop having fun together while she pushes me to travel more haha.

Gabrielle: He has grounded me, making me the happiest person even in the smallest moments like having coffee together at home in the morning. Ryan always does the right thing, cares deeply for his friends and family, and inspires me to be the best version of myself.

Tell us about the proposal. Any memorable details?

Ryan: The proposal itself was not much of a surprise, but the day definitely had a few surprises of its own. Our photographer canceled on us the day of the proposal, so we had to improvise and luckily convinced our neighbor to come over and take pictures for us. Somehow, it all worked out, and we ended the night celebrating at one of our favorite restaurants, The Surf Club in Miami. It wasn't exactly how we had planned it, but we wouldn’t have changed a thing.  

Gabrielle: I got the sparkly gift I wanted for Christmas, a best friend for life, and my perfect poodle baby. I could not have been happier.