On June 30, 2024, I heard Ryan LaFoy’s name for the first time in a bridal suite in Chattanooga.
I was photographing Paige and Matt’s wedding, and I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day. I’d known Paige for many years, so when she said, “Eleanor, you HAVE to meet my cousin Ryan,” I was intrigued. But dating wasn’t on my radar at the time, and I wanted to focus on photographing their wedding day well. However, when they talked about how much he loved Jesus, I caved and said I was open to a set up if it worked out.
So throughout the night, I kept my eye on him and scoped out as much as I could … you know, FBI agent-style. But nothing ever happened. We actually never met that night. I drove away a little disappointed, but not surprised that nothing panned out. On the long drive from Chattanooga back to Birmingham, I surrendered my hopes for a spouse to God again like I had many times before.
Exactly a month later, though, after some very brief assistance from Hinge (to the point where it really doesn’t need any credit), Paige gave Ryan my number and two days later we went on our first date. Little did I know, that date would change my whole life.
I drove to Little Donkey in Homewood on July 30, 2024, strangely full of peace. Ryan and I had texted the two days leading up to the date and the conversation had been encouraging and easy, so there was promise in the air and I knew I’d be safe with him. Five hours later, only half-eaten meals and after conversation that felt really natural and edifying, we walked out of the restaurant knowing each other better and hopeful about the next date. I was confident that he loved Jesus with his whole life — Paige was right
Two dates later (the third in a week!), I knew without a doubt that I wanted to marry Ryan. I pulled up to his apartment in Tuscaloosa with a rush of peace and just knew that he was what I’d waited for. From that moment, we both ran toward heaven with equal zeal, and our relationship has been nothing short of wild, wonderful and God-glorifying. A pure gift of grace that has blown us away — nothing that we deserved and nothing that was ever promised to us. Just a grace.
Our first photo together after meeting my parents!
So on Wednesday, April 9, Ryan asked me to be his forever. We had planned a simple walk before dinner, but he asked me to go on an adventure instead once we got in the car. He was as cool as a cucumber — as usual, the calm to my chaos — so even though I had suspicions of a proposal that whole week, he threw me off with his steadiness, the “irrelevant truths” he’d been telling me for months and the kindness with which he responded to my outright suspicions and questions hahhaa. Man, he is an angel!
Ryan would tell you, though, that the day of, his plans were thrown off. He arrived in Birmingham around lunchtime, unbeknownst to me, and the original plan was to propose on Jemison Trail where we’d had many sweet moments throughout dating. But it was more overgrown and crowded than he’d hoped on the day-of, so he called Katherine Horton (my sweet friend and our proposal photographer!) to brainstorm other options. The clock was ticking as the afternoon went on, and they finally found the perfect spot 30 minutes before he was supposed to pick me up. A kind Vestavia resident allowed us to use their private front yard on Vestavia Drive overlooking Samford University, and it was even more perfect than we could’ve imagined. There, amidst a blanket, flower petals, photos of us, a heartfelt letter and an impeccable sunset, Ryan asked me to marry him.
God met with so many people in scripture on mountain tops, and we had our own mountaintop moment that night. Experiencing the delight and beauty of God as the sun dipped below the horizon was a moment I’ll never forget. We prayed and praised and it was so rich with God’s presence. I’ve spent many years on Samford’s campus over the past 14 years – as a student, employee, contractor and quad walker ☺️ – praying for a godly husband, and the Lord so kindly brought me up to a mountaintop to say, “Hey, just look at what I’ve done. It’s better than you could’ve asked for.”
All the years of waiting for a godly spouse, wondering if it would ever happen and walking with God through disappointment was all eclipsed by joy on that day. I remember the hard days, no doubt. But I remember the deep walk with God, the faith-building and the joy of singleness too. No season is ever wasted. Each one is a gift. No prayer ever goes unheard. Every phase of life matters. And God always does what brings Him the most glory. And He has brought me someone who loves and leads me with godliness, care, tenderness and strength to make me look more like Jesus.
As we embark on this new chapter, I am filled with anticipation for the life we will build together for the kingdom of God. The LaFoys coming August 23, 2025!
Huge thanks to the precious Katherine Horton for images we will cherish forever!
