Amanda & Ryan's Wedding Fundraiser

Our Story

Ryan and Amanda met in 2014 and while the chemistry was immediate, Ryan knew the key to making a romantic relationship last was winning the acceptance of Finnegan, Amanda’s 2.5 year old border collie mix. Finnegan made it easy for Ryan, who did not grow up with dogs, and they bonded quickly when Finnegan stayed with Ryan for the holidays when Amanda went to visit family on the west coast. By this time, Finnegan had forgiven Ryan for letting him step on the frozen creek behind Amanda’s apartment complex to inspect a Doritos wrapper, which he fell into before Ryan frantically pulled him from the frigid waters. Over the next five years, Finnegan and Amanda continued to let Ryan participate in their lives. 

In 2020, Amanda and Ryan decided Finnegan needed a companion to keep him spry as he entered his senior years. They started fostering dogs for Homeward Trails, where Amanda had “foster failed” Finnegan. Their third foster, who would become Timber, made it very clear she would adopt Ryan and Amanda, expressing disdain for other would-be suitors. (Ryan privately hoped for this after a long hike together in Prince William Forest Park.) Finnegan reluctantly warmed to Timber, despite her wanting all his toys and eagerness to rough-house with him at all hours. When Finnegan chased her around a friend’s backyard, the family vote to foster fail Timber became unanimous. Timber has been a source of great joy and entertainment during this challenging year with her spunk and sass. Her Veruca Salt-iness can be a bit much at times for the rest of household, especially Finnegan, but he takes everything in stride. Ryan and Amanda are eternally grateful to have the bestest boy in the world as big brother and mentor to “Bebe.”

Around the same time Timber arrived, Ryan and Amanda decided to marry this fall. Finnegan and Timber’s participation in the wedding was mandatory; only dog-friendly venues were considered. On November 10, Amanda and Ryan were married in a small ceremony at Great Falls National Park in Virginia, with Finnegan and Timber there to greet Amanda at the beginning of the processional.

In lieu of wedding gifts, Ryan and Amanda are asking friends and family to donate to Homeward Trails, which has brought so much love and fun to their lives, and many other families across Northern Virginia. 

Homeward Trails, located in Northern Virginia, saves the lives of more than 3,200 homeless animals each year. During this stressful year, they have worked endlessly to help animals in need, even during the most restricted times. They continued their weekly transports (and actually increased them) as their rural shelter partners had to close and face euthanizing the animals in their care. And to date this year, Homeward Trails has found a way to save more lives than ever. Times have been hard on the group with cancelled events and projects and your donation will help support the animals in their care. 

THANK YOU! 

Love, 

Amanda, Ryan, Finnegan & Timber