Anna and Ryan met in 2008 during the Palm Springs Student Short Film Festival which Anna organized and ran. Although his high school was outside of the Coachella Valley, Ryan’s video production class was encouraged to participate. Ryan submitted a film during his Junior and Senior year of High School.

After Anna and Ryan graduated from their respective high schools, they helped shepherd the next festival organizers. They were occasionally in touch with each other during their first two years of college. They started dating the spring of their sophomore year, driving 2 hrs back and forth to see each other.

That summer, Anna flew to Norway to spend her junior year abroad. Ryan woke her up every morning via Skype. They met twice during this year – once in Paris, France and once in Athens, Greece.

After college graduation, Ryan began his career in film production taking contract work in New Orleans, Louisiana and Park City, Utah before coming back to Los Angeles. Anna worked as a zookeeper in the desert. In 2019, Anna moved to Los Angeles, and they moved in together.

Their initial love of film soon included a joint love of adventure, nature, and travel. Hiking, backpacking, photography, national park trips, and international travel fill their free time. And, of course, their dog Leica is a happy and ever-present life force for them!

In September 2024, during their hike on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, Ryan asked Anna to marry him. Anna said “yes” and they were off and running! They look forward to many fun adventures together.

Thank you for your friendship and presence in their lives. They hope to celebrate with you at their upcoming wedding!