Ryan & Denny

We both grew up in small-town Arkansas and met at a high school acting tournament. Denny was a sophomore, Ryan was a junior, and Ryan’s performance as Schroeder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown caught Denny’s attention. We became friends first, but it didn’t take long for that to change.

Our schools were two hours apart, so we spent hours on our Windows 98 computers, playing video games and watching movies together over webcam. Eight years later, Ryan proposed on the glass Skydeck at Willis Tower in Chicago. Denny was terrified of the height, but absolutely sure about Ryan.

Since then, we’ve celebrated a New York City wedding, moved to Seattle, and supported each other through the training that shaped our careers. Denny cares for newborns and their families as a neonatal nurse practitioner, and Ryan is a nurse anesthetist. We’ve been together since we were teenagers, growing and figuring things out along the way. We’re excited for our story to continue with a child, sharing our lives and making memories together as dads.

Our families live in Arkansas, but we talk every day. Yes, every day! They visit often, and nothing makes us happier than having everyone together. Denny has a brother and sister, and Ryan has two sisters and a brother. Between us, we have thirteen nieces and nephews and more cousins than we can count. We can’t wait for a child to grow up surrounded by them.

We lost Ryan’s dad to cancer in 2025. We wish he could be here to share this chapter with us. He taught Ryan to appreciate people from all walks of life, a lesson we hope to pass along.

Traditions are a big part of our family. We celebrate Lunar New Year with food, family, and togetherness. For every holiday, we make a special dinner and leave an extra place at the table, just in case someone needs somewhere to belong. At Christmas, we love cozying up for our annual Harry Potter movie marathon.

Here in Washington, friends gather for board game nights and backyard dinners. They’re already excited to welcome a child into the fun. More than anything, we hope our child always knows there’s room for them, and for others, at our table.

Denny grew up in a Vietnamese family where his parents worked long hours to give their children more opportunities. They taught him to lean on family. On Lunar New Year, we gather to honor those who came before us and welcome a new year.

Ryan’s Louisiana traditions bring everyone together around food, from his dad’s seafood boils to his mom’s Christmas gumbo. Her recipe has been passed down for generations. Sharing these meals is a way to stay close to his roots, even far from home.

We’d love to teach your child Vietnamese and pass along both families’ traditions. We also want to learn what matters to your family, so your child grows up knowing their heritage belongs in our home, too.