Michelle and Ryan Leyva
Michelle Leyva, independent marketing and communications professional
Ryan Leyva, record producer, artist and real estate professional
How did your love story begin? Michelle: We met when we were 15 and 16 years old. Ryan’s bestie was performing with me at the Broadway Performance Hall on Capitol Hill, so we were introduced after the show. I definitely had a teenage crush on him for a minute, but we ended up just being friends for years until 2012, when we threw in the towel and, basically, just went and got married. It’s been almost 10 years, and we have two beautiful daughters now.
Favorite thing about one another: Michelle: Ryan is home to me. He has the kindest, biggest heart and a unique one-of-a-kind way of doing everything, which means that life with Ryan is always safe and loving and entertaining. I love him to pieces. Ryan: Michelle is my true North. She is extremely dedicated to family, myself and her work and always knows which way is up. She is the engine that propels the ship of life and, let me tell you, I am often strapped in for the ride! I’m lucky to have such a stone cold foxy bad ass.
Favorite date night: As simple as it is, dinner alone together. Going out and trying new things over a glass of wine or whatever and just getting to talk is so nice these days. Love those nights. We also really love Can Can – and we’re not just saying that! That is a 100 percent guaranteed great night right there when you arrange to just go all out – appetizer, dinner, dessert and all in the Pike Place Market.
Favorite tradition you have as a couple? Taking trips to LA to check in with our friends and family. But mostly to feel the sunshine and eat root veggie tacos that we both love so much.
What does your happily ever after look like? We would say as a couple we hope to provide our girls with great lives full of varying experiences that we can enjoy alongside them as they grow — love, travel, music, great food, new ideas, different people, good health, traditions, you name it! We just want to live life full and learn new things along the way.