Ashley and Nipun met for the first time at Catholic Softball Group's (CSG) annual outing to a St. Paul Saints baseball game in August 2023. Ashley's roommate and college friend, Megan, had joined CSG that summer and invited Ashley to meet some of her new friends in softball.

Megan introduced Ashley to many people that evening but one in particular stood out from the rest, Nipun (obviously). There was a shared feeling of attraction and interest in one another that was discovered about a month later when Nipun asked Megan for Ashley's phone number. After a simple text, something like “Hey, this is Nipun from the game. I’d love to get to know you better” the stage was set for what would become something beautiful.

Their first date was at The Puttery in downtown Minneapolis. A vivid memory for both Nipun and Ashley (that they still talk about to this day) was the moment they were walking towards each other as they met in front of the building. Nipun's face broke in a wide grin when he saw Ashley, and her heart fluttered with excitement when she saw his beautiful smile. Something felt different for the both of them, a feeling they hadn't ever had on a first date. The night continued with some mini golf, but mostly hours of talking about their childhoods, growing up on opposite sides of the world, school, work, family, friends, faith, and everything in between. It was obvious to the both of them that their connection felt effortless, and their personalities clicked.

From there, the dates continued, each one feeling more effortless and more natural than the last. They met up at CSG games, cooked meals together, bonded with Ashley's family (especially her niece and nephews), hiked state and national parks, went on a 20-hour road trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks in May 2024, ice cream dates, CSG and St. Lawrence young adult events, pickleball games, spending time at Ashley's parents' lake home, weddings, mass and adoration, volunteering, movie nights, and so much more.

To mark their one-year anniversary, Nipun and Ashley decided to visit the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They both knew this would be the perfect spot to commemorate the journey they had taken together. The weekend had been magical, filled with hiking, exploring, and appreciating the stunning fall colors that dotted the landscape. Sunday morning started with mass at a small town nearby, and as the first reading was announced, Nipun’s heart skipped a beat.

The reading was from Genesis 2:18-24 –“God created woman from man, and with that, He said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.”

And in his heart, he knew that today was the day.

It wasn’t the ideal day for the hike they had planned, but Nipun had an idea. With a grin, he suggested, “What do you say we explore the sand dunes along Lake Superior instead? The views will still be amazing, and you can take lots of pictures."

Ashley agreed, oblivious to Nipun’s plans, and they set off toward the dunes. The wind and waves were strong and beautiful, they roamed the beach looking at the fall colors, powerful waves, dramatic clouds, and beautiful scenery. It was there in front of Lake Superior, just the two of them on the sprawling beach, that Nipun got down on one knee and asked Ashley to marry him. Through many happy tears, Ashley said yes (even though Nipun didn't hear her the first time). They spent the rest of the day celebrating with pancakes at a Swedish restaurant in Houghton, exploring waterfalls and enjoying the stunning fall colors.