Parker County Today February 2016 | Page 17

Ryan and Erin Miller Teenaged Sweethearts PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY July 4th, 2005. “It was at the lake,” Erin said. “It was a total surprise. He’d already asked my dad and had a ring. He got down on one knee and said, ‘Will you marry me?’” Of course, Erin’s answer was, “Yes.” “It was fun,” Erin said. “Everyone was there.” Erin and Ryan were married the next year in Feb. 24, 2006. The ceremony was held at Aledo Methodist Church with their reception at the Parson’s Table. FEBRUARY 2016 Theirs wasn’t the typical high school romance. “We did meet while we were in high school,” said Erin Miller, adding that she and the man she later married were in high school when they fell in love. “But, Ryan went to Aledo High School and I went to Weatherford.” His friend’s family had a vacation home at Lake Weatherford. “His friend would have him over and we all became friends,” Erin said. “I was 16 and he was 17 or 18. He was finishing up his senior year. We were both at the bank one day and we saw each other. He asked for my phone number.” From that moment on, Ryan and Erin were almost inseparable. Then Erin graduated from high school, then went off to school at Belmont University in Nashville and missed him terribly. When she came back for the summer, they became engaged on “The Parson’s Table served a buffet,” Erin said. “They have a beautiful garden but it was raining so we had 200 people packed into the house. I had four bridesmaids and two matrons of honor (my aunts).” They honeymooned in Vail, Colorado. “We both like to ski and we thought it would be fun,” she said. What’s the secret to staying married for 10 years? “Compromise and forgiveness,” Erin said. “Being married is fun. You get to share things with someone you love. That’s great knowing that you have someone who’s always there for you. The best part is having someone to share everything with.” Ryan and Erin celebrate their 10th anniversary this month. They have two adorable children, are still inseparable and one of their closest friends refer to them as one of the happiest couples she knows. Erin’s best advice? “Fight for what you want and never give up,” she said. “I always knew what I wanted. I was very determined.” 15