the Kowalks

Chelsea and Ryan met in 2013 at BYU and became a friend zone success story when they started dating before both graduating in 2015. After spending a few years at Adobe for Ryan, and Chelsea graduating from her MBA program in 2018, their lives changed drastically when Chelsea’s mom suffered a massive stroke that sent the couple moving to Los Angeles to care for her before her passing in March 2019. Four months later, Ryan discovered a tumor in his brain that would lead to a Grade 4 Glioblastoma diagnosis.

Surprise Wedding

With Ryan’s craniotomy scheduled weeks away, the engaged couple faced having to postpone their wedding plans yet again. That’s when the professional event planner in Chelsea truly assumed its highest form. Unwilling to admit defeat, Chelsea decided she would plan a surprise wedding to take place within two weeks, before Ryan’s surgery.

Looking for dinner suggestions, Chelsea posts about her plan in a local bridal Facebook group and received an outpouring of community support. From the most attentive pro bono wedding planner, photographer, and videographer, to generously discounted or donated services, goods, and venue, the idea took off from a courthouse elopement to a fairy tale wedding that came to life.

On the morning of the wedding, Chelsea pops the question “will you marry me…today?” and with Ryan accepting Chelsea’s Uno reverse, Ryan and Chelsea were married on the 21st night of September, celebrating with their closest family and friends, thanks to the generous love from community volunteers.

Since the wedding, Chelsea and Ryan have committed to paying forward the generosity from strangers by giving back to the community in every way they can.