Xin Xin + Ryan met five years ago, and last August they got engaged. Here’s their love story the way Ryan lovingly describes it:

“Mutual friends of ours at DePaul introduced Xin Xin and I in the summer of 2012. The first night we met was at The Original Mother’s, an incredibly sloppy, late-night dive bar. Anyone who knows Xin Xin can tell you she’s anything but a drinker, so this was probably the last place I should’ve suggested meeting. Nevertheless, we talked for hours and had a great conversation…”

They obviously hit it off and things went well, because after a few years of dating, Ryan decided it was time to ask Xin Xin to marry him.

“Last August, Xin Xin and I set off for a 2 week Eurotrip traveling through London, Paris, and Rome. I knew far in advance that I was going to propose while we were in Paris, but I didn’t have specific plans for how or when I was going to do it. I was strongly regretting not having the ring on me one day when we were touring the Palace of Versailles and walking throughout this beautiful garden – so I decided I would make an excuse to go back to the hotel so I could grab the ring and propose that evening. We had a delicious and authentic French meal before walking to the Eiffel Tower to take a boat tour on the Seine River. The tour was really beautiful, although I was completely distracted thinking about what I was about to do. It was a chilly night and, after the tour Xin Xin suggested that we take a cab back to the hotel. I insisted we walk and, thankfully, she didn’t resist. As we were walking back I was scoping out the perfect place to propose. We walked upon the Pont Alexandre III bridge (which I remembered Xin Xin was admiring earlier) and, with the illuminated Eiffel Tower as our backdrop, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I could tell right away how surprised she was. She said yes, and we basked in the moment before walking back to celebrate with some champagne and share the news with our families.”

I love sharing the words directly from my bride and groom. Nothing I could ever write or say about them would better tell their story (that’s why I stick to photos!) Their gorgeous wedding at the Langham Chicago was photographed by JTP Team Member, Nicki – and she did an AMAZING JOB capturing every moment beautifully. See for yourselves… congrats Xin Xin + Ryan!