Friday, May 11th 2018

GET TO KNOW OUR STORY

     It was a Wednesday, in 2006, when these two met. Ryan McNulty and Vanessa Johnson were both Freshmen living in the dorms at California State University, Sacramento. Vanessa didn't know too many people her Freshman year, but, she did have a few, fellow, Ygnacio Valley High School Alumni that lived in Draper dorm hall next to hers. She would often visit with them on Wednesdays to partake in non-alcoholic activities. It was there, that she first met Ryan - a studly, young, Rugby player with a contagious laugh. 
     Throughout their years at Sac State, Ryan and Vanessa would often catch each other at the same college gatherings. Whether it was a mutual friend's party, a Sac State bar or a Rugby game, these two would often float in similar friend groups, always offering a brief smile or nod in each other's direction. Known always as the "sweetest guy around", Vanessa always loved hearing Ryan's name yelled across a room. The ladies loved his energy, and she soon realized, "Wait a minute, I am totally diggin' Ryan, too!" 
     By their Senior year in college, these two had gotten to become close friends. When Vanessa had mentioned in passing that she frequented the river for floating, Ryan took it upon himself to casually invite her to join him for a floating day. The two went in a group setting, and Vanessa was even introduced to Ryan's sister, Lena. 
     As the months progressed, the two began to see each other more often. On a Fall, September night in 2010, when they were celebrating a friend's birthday, the group ended up dancing at a bar in Midtown, Sacramento. After Ryan charmed Vanessa with a dancing twirl and dip, she knew then that she had to swoop this guy up fast, his dance moves were sure to catch all the ladies - and she didn't want to share him. Vanessa initiated the first date - a lunch date at Hoppy Brewing Company before her Noon class. Since that first date, the two have been inseparable. 
     From family parties, to college graduations, the duo have shared so many memories. As Ryan transitioned from Vanessa's new friend, to her boyfriend, to eventually Uncle Ryan to her nieces and nephews, she always knew this person was meant to be her partner in life. 
     When Ryan proposed in Ireland, in front of a magical 12th century castle, Vanessa could not be more excited to start their life journey together. They cannot wait to be Mr. and Mrs. Ryan McNulty and are so grateful for all of the love and support they have received throughout this journey.