Tori and Ryan’s story began long before either of them realized it. They both grew up in the same church community at Champion Forest. Although Tori and Ryan knew of each other growing up – primarily because Tori’s dad, Stephen, was the Executive Pastor and Ryan’s brother, Landry, and Tori were in the same grade and were close friends - their paths never truly crossed. At the time, they were just part of the same background, unaware that nearly twenty years later, their lives would cross once again.

Fast forward to adulthood, when Ryan worked up the courage to “shoot his shot” and send a direct message to a pretty and kind woman. That woman was Tori, in hopes they could meet and catch up. What he didn’t know was that Tori wasn’t exactly known for quick replies - so after three months, Ryan finally got a surprise reply. That response sparked their first “hangout,” a casual game night that included both of their siblings and their wives. It didn’t take long after that for Ryan to ask Tori out on a real date, and from there, one date turned into many more. Ryan knew it then and told Tori that she was well worth the wait.

That summer was filled with memories - traveling together with family, friends, and just the two of them. From New Mexico, Florida, Oklahoma, to Louisiana, each trip revealed something deeper. It was during those moments along the way that they realized what they had was something special. Their shared love for God, devotion to family and friends, and similar life aspirations and journeys of patiently waiting for the right person at the right time made it clear that this relationship was built on a strong foundation.

When Ryan decided to propose, he chose a place that had quietly been part of both of their lives for years - the deep piney woods of east Texas. At a state park they had each passed countless times on separate trips to visit family in East Texas and Louisiana, Ryan asked Tori to do the absolute honor of marrying him. Surrounded by nature and joined by both of their families, it was a moment that felt intentional, meaningful, and perfectly theirs.

Please come celebrate with Tori and Ryan and witness history as Ryan’s “shot” becomes official when they both say “I do” on May 24, 2026.