We Don’t know about you, but we’re Feeling ‘22

Once upon a time South Bay Community Church started a young adult ministry that Allison & her cousin Traci attended. Pastor Greg introduced them to the other pharmacists in the group, but Traci got bored and moved on to meet new people including Shane. A couple weeks later, Traci officially introduced them on March 31 when Allison, Traci, and Shane's sister Kristen got baptized!

Time went on until their young adult group went out for pizza at Shakey's. That night Shane and Alley had their first real conversation. Allison (& Traci) told him that they weren't really friends unless it was Facebook official, so Shane rushed home to Facebook friend them that night (they accepted) and Allison Facebook messaged him the next day. After a couple of weeks of Allison pestering Shane for food recs around Torrance on Facebook messenger, Shane finally gave Alley his number and they began texting (mostly emojis).

A month later, Shane worked up enough courage to ask Alley out on their first date (although Alley didn't know it was a date at the time). They ate shaved snow at Class 302 and Shane found out that Alley was starting a new job the following week and it was 700 miles away! He was a little sad because he thought that this could be the end of something that never had enough time to start. 5 days later they went on their second date (at the driving range), and Shane gave Alley a road trip care package filled with his favorite Trader Joe's snacks, a burned Iration CD, and a mini orchid plant. Two days later, Alley left for Alturas and Shane hoped she wouldn’t forget about him…

They started texting all day, FaceTimed every night, and eventually decided to try this long distance thing. 3 months later Alley visited home for their 3rd date. Shane planned a picnic with Giuliano's sammies and orange soda at his favorite Redondo Beach Avenue C, and he asked Alley to be his girlfriend! She said yes... and then took it back and made him ask her again in 5 days so that their anniversary wouldn't be the same day as her dad's birthday. Shane complied and they now celebrate on the 15th and 20th!

The next 3 years they spent long distance. To make their story more dramatic you can google Alturas, CA and then try to find the closest commercial airport. Alley was literally in the middle of no where, so she would have to drive 3 hours to the Reno/Tahoe airport and then take the 1+ hour flight home, and Shane would do the opposite. During winter (snow), they dealt with many cancelled/delayed flights and had to take the bus to and from the airport (when it was running). They were blessed with work schedules that allowed them to see each other almost every month (sometimes twice!) Long distance required them to put their faith in God, trusting that He would keep Alley safe and bring her home when the time was right. They were both so thankful for the Entwistles and GracePoint church for becoming Alley's family away from home.

Before they started dating, Alley told Shane that she would be in Alturas for at least 2 years. But when 2 years came, she knew that God wasn't done with her yet. Shane prayed that God would bring Alley home soon but never rushed Alley's decision because he trusted in God's timing. Another year went by and Alley finally felt called back home. In October 2017, Alley said goodbye to Modoc Medical Center, her Gracepoint Church family, and her little white corner house. Shane drove up to Alturas in his dad’s truck, rented a Uhaul trailer, and moved Alley home (1400 miles and almost 24 hours round trip.)

Living only 30 minutes away from eachother was a huge change. No more flights, mountain drives, or long winters apart. Their months of funemployment allowed them to spend almost everyday together. Shane took Alley to all of his favorite beaches and restaurants (and they ate a lot of Japanese food and ice cream). They went on family vacations to Hawaii and Arizona. They also started serving together at SBCC teaching K1 in Sunday School. Alley dropped many hints, basically saying “okay, I’m back! When are we getting married?!?” Shane kept her in the dark while all along planning the perfect surprise.

With the help of his family, Shane designed an engagement ring that he was so proud of and knew Alley would love. Shane wanted Alley to be totally caught off guard, so he faked a work Christmas party where Alley supposedly had to meet his boss. After brunch, they had “time to kill” up in Palos Verdes. Shane led Alley on a walk to the gazebo at Rossler Point overlooking the Pacific ocean. As they walked closer to the gazebo, Alley finally realized that it was decorated with their initials and pictures of them from the past 4 years. Alley was so surprised (and relieved that she didn’t have to go to his work Christmas party)! Shane dropped down to one knee and asked for her hand in marriage….and Alley said YES!!

Despite the challenges of *covid*, Alley + Shane got married by Pastor Gary Shiohama in Alley’s childhood backyard. They were joined by their families and Alley’s MOHs with Shane’s groomsman, Jon, as their photographer. It was the most perfect, intimate wedding day filled with heartfelt speeches by their siblings. Many tears of happiness were shed.

Reuniting with their families and bridal parties for the first time was super sweet. They renewed their vows in front of their favorite people and had an epic photoshoot at Ebell, Long Beach! What better way to celebrate their first year of marriage than bentos, drinks, coffee, & cake in the private space of Corridor Flow :)