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RUUSK COUPLE: RILEY + TAYLA

RUUSK COUPLE: RILEY + TAYLA

by My Linh Do in JOURNAL

 

Some love stories are written in the stars, and others are sparked by chance – or in Riley and Tayla’s case, by a mother’s introduction in a small coastal town during Covid. What began with beach dinners and backyard fires quickly grew into something lasting, built on kindness, laughter, and shared values. From a magical proposal in Canada to the joy of building a future together, their story is one of adventure, deep connection, and a love that feels like home. Today, we’re so honoured to share a glimpse into their journey.

 


riley and tayla's proposal engagement

 

Tell us the story of your first connection. How did your paths cross, and what made you take notice of each other?

It was a bit of a Covid love story. I moved to a small coastal town to get out of the city and be close to my parents. Tayla was already living there. And funnily enough my mum actually introduced us. We met briefly at an event in town and I thought damn I want to date this girl. And of course it didn’t happen straight away we went a while before seeing each other again then met out one night and just clicked. Then spent the next few months falling in love over dinners on the beach and fires in the back yard.


 

If you had to describe each other in just three words, what would they be, and why?


Riley is...

  • Vibrant - Tayla is always up to something, she’s full of life. Definitely gets the most out of every moment. Always keen for an adventure. It’s almost hard to keep up sometimes.

  • Compassionate - Tayla is the most warm hearted person I've ever met. She will do anything for the people in her life and anyone else for that matter.

  • Genuine - You can say anything around Tayla and she won't judge. She's honest to a fault even if sometimes you wish she wasn't. Just a warm and inviting person.

Tayla is...

  • Mindful - Riley is always enjoying life in any way possible, he is always fully present and appreciative of every moment. Often saying ’how good is life’.
  • Passionate - I’ve never met someone who loves their job as much as Riley. He is passionate about his career but always giving all of his love to his family and friends. Not to mention his love for food.
  • Giving - no matter the price or effort Riley is willing to help anyone, he’s never one to say no to giving a helping hand. He gives through kindness, love, time and energy. 



What's something about your partner that most people don't know, but you absolutely love?

Riley: She’s a bit of a goof which is something I love about her. Loves to say the wrong thing at the wrong time with completely different intentions to what she meant. Tries to high kick in a long tight dress and ends up on her back. You know those type of things.

Tayla: I love that Riley is a cook good, he loves his food as do I and loves cooking us up a feast! 



 

tayla's engagement solitaire ring



 


Can you share the moment you realised this was your person -  that this was something lasting and real?

Riley: Honestly I knew she was someone special from the moment I met her. There was just something about her that made me want to get to know her more. There were butterflies straight away. But I think after a couple months we were sitting around a fire in a back yard for hours just talking and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this girl. 

Tayla: After getting to know Riley’s parents, and finally getting introduced, many beach dates and fire pit chats later. We moved in together after a short period of time it all just made sense, we had so much in common, family values, what we wanted out of life and of course the love we shared for each other. 



 

We'd love to hear about the proposal! We'd love to hear more of what made this moment magical for you.

Canada has always been special to us, and since it’s also my home country, it felt like the perfect place to propose. I had the ring hidden nervously in my pocket. Not even in a box. We headed off on a little hike to a cliff overlooking the ocean. She wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of walking down the cliff and even started heading back up the hill, until I called her back, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. Not easily I might add cause I was a blubbery mess haha. Through happy tears from both of us, she said yes! We spent the rest of the weekend in Whistler celebrating the most amazing day excited about everything to come. 

 

As you look ahead to your wedding day and beyond, what are you most excited to experience or build together?

We’ve already made a beautiful life together. We have amazing family and friends surrounding us. We’ve had endless adventures. I can only hope the future has more of the same. We’re just excited to keep growing together what ever the future has in store for us.

 

 

tayla's engagement ring laser engraving
SHOP: Tayla's 1ct Diamond Solitaire

Tags: RUUSK COUPLES

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