Ryan and Rachell

It was a perfect, California summer day and we took full advantage by celebrating our engagement with family and friends. Ryan’s Mom, Patty, flew out from Illinois to help host a great, backyard party. My Mom, Flora, spent the past three weeks redecorating her home and cooking furiously in order to host our growing community. I loved watching Patty mingle and chat with everyone so easily! Julie Vanloan, my soon-to-be bridesmaid and dear friend from grad school decorated the backyard with lanterns and tea lights.

Everyone there and all the effort put into the day made us feel incredibly blessed; Ryan and I continue to be humbled at the community we share. We are hopeful for the ways they will challenge and love and support us as a couple - we’ve never wanted to approach marriage as a solo mission. Thank you to all the friends and family that came out for wine and good food, and especially, to share in our excitement.

We are counting down the days…