Ryan and Chandler Houser – A Sentimental Love Story

When Eli Luke called his sister, to set her up on a blind date, he likely had no idea that his friend and coworker Ryan would end up being his brother-in-law. But, if he was good enough to date your sister, he must have been a pretty good guy. Eli gave Chandler’s number to Ryan and he called asking if she’d like to join him for dinner at Clark’s on Main in Clayton. “I walked in the restaurant having never laid eyes on Ryan Houser,” Chandler told me during a recent chat. “The date was a complete success but it was quite a while before we had another one.” she added.

They kept in touch and when Chandler began the process of remodeling a home, Ryan would come help out. As anyone who has ever done a remodel knows, this can be a long process. Their parents helped with the house. That was the beginning of the seamless blend of two families and when this romance began to snowball.

When Ryan decided to ask Chandler to be his wife, he chose a spot near and dear to her heart, the family home on Lake Burton. Her great grandfather, the founder of Reeves Hardware, had built the home on the lake a half century or more before. It is a gathering place for his descendants and Chandler grew up visiting the home. It was on the dock that Ryan presented Chandler with an engagement ring that was also a family heirloom. On bended knee he shared his heart with her and without hesitation she said, “Yes!”

The wedding would take place in the very spot that they got engaged with family and friends in attendance. It was an intimate wedding on June 18th, 2021. Chandler was a beautiful bride and Ryan a handsome groom. It was Chandler’s dream to drive away from the wedding in her grandfather’s Chris Craft. This not only happened, but her father, Jim Luke drove the boat. Friend and photographer Marissa Moore took the amazing photographs we are sharing with you.

Today the couple makes their home in Franklin, North Carolina. Chandler works at the Highlands School teaching 1st grade. Ryan works part-time at Reeves Hardware in Highlands but is dedicated to building his photography and cinematic videography business (watch for an upcoming Laurel cover). They are parents to a wonderful little boy named Olin, after Ryan’s great-grandfather. We thank Chandler and Ryan Houser for sharing their story with us.