Our story is pretty much the same as everyone else’s. Guy remodels client’s house, guy walks away with client’s daughter. Pretty much happens every day. I, Tyler, have done updates on the Mulliken house for a few years now. Over that time, Laura and I got to know each other pretty well and would routinely shoot the breeze. Well, one morning this past winter was no different, other than a question at the end of the conversation. Laura asks, “So you’re single and my daughter is single, what would you think about meeting her or if you have any good Christian guys you know that would want to meet her?” I played coy, but wasn’t about to let any of my friends meet her before me. I had briefly met her in passing one day on the job almost two years before, and that was all I needed to say yes to a hookup from the mom. Besides, Todd and Laura are great and if Ashley was half as cool as them, we would be in business.

As it so happened, Ashley had a random day off work later that week and stopped by her parents' place because it was Laura’s birthday. Luckily we were working on the house at that time and Ashley was of course just as beautiful as the first meeting. I made a point to have a conversation to see what her personality was like and in true Ashley fashion, she was as charming as she always is. I immediately asked Laura for Ashley’s number when I got home from work that night and got the go ahead.

We texted a little a couple of days later on Valentine’s Day and it worked to go out the next day. Our first date was at Old Chicago and neither of us had pizza. Conversation was great and we both knew we needed to see each other again. Date two was just as awesome and by the end of date three we were both sold! Every date and hangout together only got better and better, which had never been the case for either of us. Everything this time was different in the most wonderful way. We were both stupid giddy, as we still are, and couldn’t help but act like teenagers when they are “in love!”

It didn’t take long to bring up the “M word” and the conversation was just as easy and enjoyable as every other. I love surprises and am a bit crazy, but one thing I wasn’t crazy enough to do was pick out a ring without her. We picked it out together and she never heard a peep after that. Since I couldn’t do an out of the blue proposal, I knew I had to surprise her in other ways. We got engaged on Sunday, August 1st at a beautiful overlook in Afton State Park. There’s a lot to E-Day, so I won’t go into it, but everything went according to and better than planned! If you haven’t heard the story of the engagement just ask and we’ll be more than happy to tell it.

I thought planning a big engagement was hard, but it’s child’s play compared to planning a wedding. Obviously though, we are elated to do so and we both get stuff done, so bring it on! We are so excited to have every one of y’all be a part of our big day. You have all had an impact on our lives, so thank you. Another big thanks to Laura, without her none of you would be reading this. And lastly, we can thank The Lord as He is the one that truly brought us together and has had His hand on our relationship the entire time.