After getting to know one another since August, Ashley FINALLY let Bryson come meet her. For any one that knows Bryson, him taking the interstate to come visit was a big deal. Bryson said that as soon as he walked through the door, he knew he was going to marry Ashley. In attempts to swoon Bryson, Ashley laid out a plate of cheeses and crackers that were far too old to enjoy.
February 14, 2023
Bryson surprised Ashley for Valentine's Day and Ashley told Bryson that she loved him for the first time!
February 25, 2023
Ashley's parents meet Bryson! Although Ashley was scared and hesitant to enter a relationship because of her past, her parents helped her realize what she already knew: how incredible Bryson was. In the words of Ashley's parents... "What're you waiting for?!" If it wasn't clear...Ashley's parents very much approved.
March 10, 2023
This was a big day! Ashley met Bryson's family and Bryson asked Ashley to be his girlfriend! Bryson took Ashley to Wilson's Creek for the first time to see the stars. Bryson and Ashley danced under the moonlight to one of their favorite artists: Tyler Childers. They both then drove around beautiful country roads while Bryson sang Ashley love songs. If you're thinking to yourself that this sounds like a movie...it felt like one too.
March 19, 2023
Ashley just couldn't stay away from Bryson and came to see him the following week. Little did she know, Ashley and Bryson would have a busy, but romantic and sentimental weekend traveling around the mountains of NC. First, a night at a beautiful bed and breakfast (a big thank you to Bryson's mom!), a trip to Boone, NC, and then off to Marion for Bryson to meet Ashley's Aunt, Uncle, and cousins!
March 20, 2023
Bryson took Ashley to Moses Cone to see the sunrise over the mountains. Even though it was freezing, it was one of the most romantic moments ever. Little did Ashley know, this is where Bryson would propose in a little less than a year.
April 29, 2023
Ashley, Bryson, Ashley A., Julie, Ashley R., and Ashley's friends from graduate school played pub golf to celebrate upcoming graduation. Unknowingly, Ashley (the bride) got COVID this night after drunkenly finishing off a drink...that was not hers. This was the first time in a long time that Bryson had fun going out...even if he only got to have one drink.
May 11, 2023
Ashley graduates with her Master's of Education and Education Specialist degree! Ashley R., Bryson, Ashley's parents, and grandparents all came to celebrate this big accomplishment. Even though it was hot outside, they all had a great time!
June 11, 2023
Bryson, Ashley R., the bride, Tanya, and Ken go to FL to celebrate Ashley's graduation! This was Bryson's first big trip with the family and they had a blast. Bryson also realized how bad Ashley snores during this trip...and he has video proof. Also during this trip Ashley received a job offer from App State's Counseling center which confirmed that Ashley would be moving to the mountains near the love of her life!
September 17, 2023
Bryson, Ashley A., Ashley R., and Julie surprise Ashley (the bride...haha!) for her birthday! So sweet!
September 23, 2023
Ashley, Bryson, Ashley A. and Julie go to Nashville, TN! They had an absolute blast! This was Ashley's first trip with Ashley A. and Julie and it reiterated how much these women would become some of her best friends. Plus the Ashley's got to see SZA!!
October 31, 2023
Ashley and Bryson celebrate their first Halloween as Morticia and Gomez Addams!
November 01, 2023
Ashley and Bryson officially move in together even though Ashley hadn't let Bryson go home for weeks before. Biscuit became upset that she lost her spot on the bed, but both Lupin and Biscuit have become obsessed with their new dad!
December 10, 2023
Ashley and Bryson go to Gatlinburg, TN with Bryson's parents and sister where they went to Christmas in the Caves! They all had a great time and Ashley was able to grow closer to Bryson's family through playing Farkle and enjoying Butter Pecan sipping cream.
December 25, 2023
Bryson celebrates his first Christmas with Ashley's family! He surprised Ashley earlier than expected with a light-up beard. Ashley's mom was ecstatic about this and so excited to welcome him into the family!
December 31, 2023
Ashley and Bryson rung in the New Year in Charleston while celebrating Ashley A.'s birthday! Shout out to Ashley's dad for picking all of them up in downtown Charleston!
March 03, 2024
Ashley plans a party to celebrate Bryson's 31st birthday with friends and family! Bryson was so happy because his mom made punch bowl cake AND Ashley bought a carrot cake! Bryson also adds that he learned how heavy Ashley's hand is when making drinks..."oops" says Ashley.
March 10, 2024
Bryson pops the question...and Ashley (obviously) says YES! Bryson thought of every last detail to make this perfect. From the location of where they had one of their first dates, to the personally designed ring, to the photographer to capture the moment, to the surprise breakfast with family, and a romantic trip away.
March 11, 2024
Ashley and Bryson go to Asheville to celebrate their engagement! Of course they had to take a picture by this iconic mural. They had a blast eating amazing food, visiting cool stores, and spending time together in a romantic bliss...aka the hot tub at their Air BnB.
May 26, 2024
Ashley and Bryson book the date at their beautiful venue with Ashley's mom and Bryson's sister! Ashley and Bryson fell in LOVE with the mountain view and hope you will too! This marked the beginning of wedding planning!
July 06, 2024
Bryson attends his first SML vacation with the Underwood family! Such a great time for relaxation, family memories, and sunshine!
July 27, 2024
Ashley finds THE dress with her parents, Ashley R., Ashley A., and Julie!
August 14, 2024
Bryson and Ashley adopt a cat together from their local cat cafe! Jinkx, named after one of their favorite drag queens (Jinkx Monsoon), is the newest addition to their family. Bryson and Ashley love her so much!
September 17, 2024
Ashley A. Julie, Kassy, and Bryson plan a drag queen themed birthday party for Ashley's 25th! Even though the Hurricane had hit the week of the party, everyone came together to celebrate!
October 04, 2024
Bryson and Ashley travel to Ocean City, MD for a music festival one year before the big day! Bryson and Ashley were able to dance to their first dance song, sung live, on the beach...talk about romantic! If you ask Bryson, he has several photos of Ashley crying out of happiness.
November 18, 2024
Ashley, Bryson, and Ashley A. go to see some of their favorite drag queens! They had a blast! Ashley and Bryson debated on taking a sign to ask Trixie Mattel to DJ their wedding...but Bryson settled for a beautifully written email instead.
December 25, 2024
Ashley spends her first Christmas with Bryson's family! Ashley had Bryson's mom's chocolate gravy for the first time...yum! Ashley is so happy and excited to be a part of the family.