I’ve got a soft spot for college love stories. Maybe because I have one. But maybe it’s also because there’s something especially special about finding your forever in college. It’s a time of rapid growth and learning who you want to be as a person, and sometimes, you notice that someone is growing in the same direction you are. And then, it’s perfect. Ryan and Emma are just like that. They ran in the same circles, were passionate about the same things, and it just fit. And after a long road trip to and from the Passion conference, Ryan definitely had his eye on her.

They spent long days in the coffee shop on campus together and they grew in the same direction. And finally it was time for Ryan to ask for forever. A forever of continuing to grow, side by side. So he started planning. He ordered hundreds of sunflowers to surprise her, caring for the over the course of several days. Every time Emma called he was frantically watering flowers, but he kept his cool. And on a mountain one day, surrounded by their friends and hundreds of sunflowers, Emma said yes.

Ryan and Emma are two of the sweetest people. Ryan’s persistence and pursuit of Emma shows in the way he cared diligently for those sunflowers. Throughout our time together he gently wrapped Emma is his arms to keep her warm and he made her laugh countless times. Emma responded warmly and brightly, it was like she was carrying around her own little light source in her smile. They fit perfectly together and it’s even more exciting knowing that they’re moving forward with Jesus at the center of it all.

Ryan and Emma, we love you guys! Thanks for waking up before the sun with us!

Even on a foggy morning, the view was wonderful!

The smiliest 😀