Richard & Ryan: Dallas Dads get Engaged

Photography by Sara Kate Photo

“We met at a Fourth of July pool party and instantly hit it off. I asked Ryan if he wanted to join me and some of my friends to dinner that same night. You could say our first date was chaperoned."

Ryan and Richard got on together famously, making plans to go for dinner again later in the week; this time unchaperoned! They chose an Italian restaurant downtown for their first actual date.

“I thought Ryan was super cute with a great personality. He has an amazing smile and eyes. Oddly, I do love the way he frowns, too.” Ryan noticed how down-to-earth Richard was, and he loved his sweet smile.

Richard was in the process of becoming a single dad through surrogacy. Hopeful that he would meet someone who also wanted a family, he continued on the dating scene. Ryan had never really thought about having children but was very open and honest throughout their dating.

At a family Christmas vacation in 2018, Richard asked Ryan’s father if he had his permission to marry Ryan. Ryan’s father was extremely supportive and gave his blessing. At their daughter Avery’s 2nd birthday party, Richard asked Ryan to marry him in front of their family and friends.

“I wanted the experience to be personal and unique to us so that’s why I chose Avery’s birthday.  First, I would always remember the date and second, it was a great reason to have all of our family and friends around,” Richard explained. “I was super nervous even though I kind of already suspected that Ryan would probably say yes, but there was still that uncertainty. I was definitely distracted with my thoughts of exactly what to say, when to say it, where to say it. I went from feeling nervous, distracted, and anxious, to relieved and exuberant! The person that I wanted to share the rest of my life with wanted to share theirs with me.”

Ryan and Richard began planning their dream wedding and settled on the “perfect date” of April 25th, 2020. "However, COVID hit. We postponed it to August 22nd but ultimately decided again to postpone it to May 15, 2021.” It is no easy task to postpone a wedding twice, but Ryan and Richard were determined to make sure that their closest friends and family could safely make it to celebrate with them. “So, the process has been less than ideal, but we are both fortunate people and we keep that in perspective. Our wedding planner, Julian Leaver has been the best at helping us navigate the uncharted waters.” When the unexpected occurs, it can be monumentally helpful to have a wedding planner there to help.

“Our dream wedding is one in which friends and family can share in our excitement and love for one another in a setting of fun celebration.” And that is what a wedding celebration is all about, sharing that excitement and love with those closest in your lives.” We all can’t wait for Ryan and Richard to say “I do” this May.

Check out Ryan & Richard on Instagram!

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Photography — Sara Kate (Instagram)