Like so many couples these days, our story begins on a dating app. Ryan had just updated his search criteria from 29 to 30 year olds when he stumbled across Daniel's profile on Hinge. Meanwhile, Daniel (admittedly picky) had already passed on everyone in his feed. But one day he opened the app to find something different: a message from someone named Ryan, who had liked one of his photos. Daniel responded with a simple "Hey :)" and the conversation took off from there.

Curious, Daniel asked Ryan if he was new to town or had just recently joined the app, since he hadn't seen his profile before. Ryan explained he wasn't new to the area and had been on the app for a while, but had recently expanded his age range. From that point forward, Daniel would joke with Ryan about how he had to expand his age range just to find him.

Anyone who knows Ryan knows about his love of beer and soft pretzels, so when it came time to plan their first date, the choice was obvious: World of Beer in Middleton, Wisconsin. They had beer. They had a giant soft pretzel. What more could you ask for?

Daniel and Ryan hit it off immediately, spending hours chatting and sipping beverages. (Fun fact: this was also the first time Daniel tried Peach Cider Boys, which would become a favorite.) As the evening went on, World of Beer transformed into a "night club," and they were given a choice: pay the cover or head out.

In the parking lot, Daniel worked up the courage to ask for Ryan's number. Then, wanting to make sure they were on the same page, he asked if the past few hours officially counted as a date. Ryan laughed and said yes. He still teases Daniel about it to this day.

Since that first date at World of Beer, Daniel and Ryan have experienced so much of life's joys together. They have traveled the world, soaking in the cultures and beauty of multiple countries. They spent two weeks in the vast fjords of Norway, two weeks in the bustling cities of Japan, and a long weekend on the scenic beaches of Mexico. When they aren't traveling the world, they enjoy spending time at home with their cats, Moose and Cooper, cuddling up on the couch while binge-watching Grey's Anatomy. They enjoy a night out at the movies, seeing a local comedy show in town, or hosting a game night with friends. Over the years, they've also had the pleasure of attending a multitude of weddings for friends and family, so they are extremely excited to now hold one of their own!

Most of you are probably familiar with the beautiful proposal photos atop the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. But what many don't know is that wasn't the actual proposal moment, so we'll catch you up to speed on the full engagement lore.

The proposal story started a few weeks prior to the Tennessee trip when Ryan and Daniel had a heart-to-heart conversation about their life goals and mutual desire to get married to each other. Shortly after, the two shared the special experience of picking out rings together at the local Kessler's. After exiting the jeweler's with Daniel's actual ring and Ryan's temporary silicone ring in hand, the two decided to seize the moment. They pulled the trigger right then and there. The two popped the question to each other, in Daniel's truck, in the parking lot of Kessler's on the west side of Madison.

Four Winds Farm
5735 Adams Rd
Fitchburg, WI 53575

September 5, 2026
Event Begins at 4:00 PM

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