How you met: Our story starts with our personal match makers Savanna and Kristina deciding they were going to set us up. Kristina (Ashley's cousin) and Savanna (Brandon's best friend Adam's wife and friend) were thinking about both of us being single and wanting us to find someone kind and caring. Kristina is aunt to Savanna (on Marty's side) and also friend. Kristina enticed Ashley to give Brandon a shot, to at least meet him, encouraged he was cute and had beautiful eyes. She bragged how sweet he was, and Ashley agreed to have her number passed along.

Brandon was given Ashley's number to reach out. Brandon, being shy and all, did not know what to expect. Busy with work, tests for CPA License and hunting, Brandon wasn't sure he would have time for a girlfriend. Two months later, Savanna checked in to see how things were going. Brandon hadn't reached out to Ashley yet, he was nervous. Savanna decided to take matters into her own hands, texting Ashley from Brandon's phone for him. To his excitement, Ashley responded, and quickly we discovered we had a lot in common. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and enjoyment each time. What started as a simple text turned into daily chats, then hour long phone calls, and eventually to meet in person. This is a perfect example of how taking risks can lead to something oh so very special.

Your first date: We knew it was true love from the first date, or should we say the first three dates. We have been joking about this since the first time we met in person. It all started by meeting for brunch in Sauk Rapids at Jimmy's Pour House. Hitting it off right away, we both ended up ordering the same thing without discussing what we were going to order prior to the servers arrival. After hours of talking, we decided we better leave. We were having so much fun we thought best to head to the mall and walk around because neither of us were ready to head home. It was too cold to walk outside. Ashley was also anxious for Brandon, being he had yet to buy Christmas presents for his family, so she figured she would help him. Getting most of Brandon's gifts he needed, we decided to go to the local Pantown brewery. There we played cribbage and Ashley won. That is why we say it was love from the first three dates.

The proposal: The day was perfect, right after a large snowfall. The first and only time it snowed other than a dusting that season. Brandon decided he wanted to propose in the beloved local hiking park near our home. Brandon secretly went out earlier in the morning to hang signs on trees with kind works of affirmation for Ashley to see during the walk. After walking for a while, the last sign was a quote used when starting our relationship. Brandon stopped to get down on one knee and pop the question. Then it was official, we were engaged! After the walk, we headed to our local favorite brewery AEGIR to warm up, have a few drinks, and later had dinner at Rockwoods restaurant.

Relationship milestones:

First Text- Dec. 10th, 2022,

First Date- Dec. 18th, 2022

In a Relationship- Jan 10th, 2023

Moved in Together - Aug. 18th, 2023

Engaged Feb 16th, 2024

Adopted Buckley - March 3rd, 2024

Now, as they prepare to say "I do," we are filled with excitement and gratitude. We look forward to a future filled with endless possibilities, knowing that together, we can conquer anything.