“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”

– Proverbs 18:21-22

This verse is exactly what Ryan read to his woman before getting down on one knee in mid-October. This passage was important when asking Dominique to be his wife because he realized that God intentionally put those verses right next to each other. It reminds us to cherish one another and speak kindly to each other because a godly love and a godly marriage is a blessing.

These two met on Facebook when Ryan saw Dom as a suggested friend. He thought she was gorgeous, so he took a chance, hit the “friend” button, and once she accepted, asked if he could take her on a date. At the time, she was in a relationship and politely declined, but Ryan made sure she knew that if that ever changed, to let him know.

A little while later, a mutual friend invited Ryan to her church at Crossroads, where Dominique led worship. When he walked in, he had no idea she attended that church, and was instantly worried she would think he was stalking her. He cleared things up after service to let her know he had no idea, and that he would go to another church to be respectful. Dom told him to stay at this church because it did not bother her one bit, and they started talking.

For their first date, Ryan took her to Pittsburgh for dinner, and they shared a kiss overlooking the city. Since then, they have been a couple who looks at Jesus first to lead their relationship and a couple that fights for a healthy marriage. They both make everyone around them smile, and you can’t help but feel like you’ve known them your whole lives from the moment you meet them. Their reflection of Jesus’ love is incredible.

Going back to that proposal, Dominique had no idea that Wednesday would change her life forever. After breakfast, she asked to go to Target to check out all the new fall collections, but Ryan asked to take her to Boardman Park’s chapel first to show her something. This spot has been a significant place in their relationship and where they’ll be getting married. He told her there was a new plaque he wanted to show her, but instead read Proverbs, and she knew THIS was the moment.

Y’all, I am so excited for these two. They are such a loving and welcoming couple, and I am blessed to have them both as friends. Congratulations, love birds! I am pumped for next November!

Photographer: Bree Thompson Photography

Location: McKinley Memorial Library

Kristen & Dylan’s Engagement Session