One fateful night at the 318 Cafe, Ash was waiting tables and “Crank the Thermostat” was booked for that evening’s entertainment. Just as the staff was questioning whether or not the band would show, the door opened, and in filed a gaggle of shaggy rockers with instruments in tow. As she sized them up, her eyes met with Nolan’s from across the restaurant, and they held each other’s gaze for a few moments longer than any ordinary glance at a stranger. Throughout the night, the looks continued, and during his set, Nolan looked out at the bar to see if she was watching him several times. She was, several times. What caught her eye was his funky paisley collar peeking out from behind his sweater, his deep, dark eyes, and strong jawline. What caught his eye was her big, clear eyes, disarming banter, and brilliant smile. Oh, and her tank top strap that couldn’t seem to stay up. At the end of the night, Nolan made his move: forgetting his band’s check. To this day he insists this was not on purpose, though it did make for the perfect excuse to reach back out to her. After two futile attempts to obtain one of the few checks his band ever earned, he resorted to facebook, stalking for Ash’s profile. After sorting out the check business via facebook, they exchanged numbers, and the rest is history... Through many adventures, love notes, concerts, wine filled water bottles, vinyl records, late night walks, and late night talks, Nolan and Ash formed a love that would last them through many years, breaks, spaces, transformations, and now, many lifetimes.

After almost two years together, Ash and Nolan felt they needed to experience some adventures on their own. It was a heart breaking and mutual split, and they both knew they would always have some piece of the other in their hearts. Not knowing what the future held for them, they each set out across the country in their respective Ford Escapes. Ash went straight to the Pacific Northwest, and spent 2019 working on organic farms through a work exchange program, as well as working at a ski resort on Mt. Hood in Oregon. She can totally shred pow now. Nolan stayed in town for most of the year, eventually taking a three month solo road trip to over 20 states, three coasts, and 12,000 miles, visiting family and friends spread all over the country. Throughout the year and a half their communication was scant - they did, however maintain a shared Spotify playlist. Every few weeks a new song would appear, as a passive, cryptic message to the other. Culminating in an audible story of their highs and lows through their journeys of heart break and self discovery. Come fall, a few letters were exchanged between Plymouth, MN and Government Camp, OR. Early in 2020, Ash came back into town to visit family. The two of them caught up over coffee, which turned into dinner, which turned into wine bar, which turned into bowling. They were both surprised at how much they had grown in similar directions, and how many synchronicities they had experienced on their separate adventures. The spark was still there, but there was a long ways to go.

The stars had aligned: Ash had a new manicure, Nolan had a moment alone with her parents, and a romantic trip to New York City was fast approaching. Nolan called up her sister to devise a plan. They began the trip with two amazing days filled with music, food, and a lot of walking. All the while, Nolan tried his best to remain cool while hiding an engagement ring. Day three arrived - proposal day in Prospect Park. Much to Nolan's chagrin, Ash had changes to make to the day's plans. Off to Central Park they went, a much more PUBLIC setting. With one close call already, Nolan hid the ring in the coin pocket of his corduroys and they began their four hour hike from the top of the park. Her sister caught up with them at Bethesda Fountain when she got off work, with the plan to take some very touristy photos of them, since "she had a nice camera" and "they were in a beautiful place". The three walked around the lake, coming to a bridge with a beautiful view of the city, and dozens of tourists. As Ash went to the edge to look over, Nolan appeared at her side, telling her to look at the camera. Suddenly he dropped from her peripheral vision, and the crowd gasped and fell silent. The busy bridge transformed into a moment out of time, and it was as if all of New York City froze as he asked her "Ash, I love you endlessly, and I want you to be my family. Will you marry me?". She cried "yes", before holding out her right hand... palm up. Eventually, they got the ring on the correct finger, and the crowd went wild! They strolled out of the park, light headed and relieved, and were met by Shelby's roommate, Hannah (who was in on it the whole time), with squeals of joy and a bottle of bubbly in hand.

Since then we have celebrated, planned, and concocted, and continued to deepen our relationships with each other and our families. We are so excited to gather with you all to celebrate the culmination of our love story. It has been a long time coming, and we hope you will join us to wish us well on the next leg of our journey.