Cottrell Wedding

Our adventurous lifestyles, mutual interests, and friendships had been intertwined for much longer than we realized. Known from afar and yet so close - we finally met at one the of many beach bonfires in Quonnochontaug, Rhode Island. We can't remember which year! As it happens, one or both of us were always in a relationship each time we crossed paths. Although friendly - the mutual attraction and similarities were there - this went on for a few years. With the microcosm that is Quonnie, some of our closest friends had grown up down the street from one another. Our people knew their people and vice versa... they could see the potential chemistry, slowly nudging us toward each other. The stars finally aligned in the fall of 2018, after a failed move to California for Ashley - where Tripp had returned from college the previous year. The first place she stopped when returning from the airport - as fate decided, was Tripp's. Our friend groups then became one and we began dating in November. We moved in together in January. We have been together through promotions and job changes, deaths in our families, quick trips and long trips, supporting one another along the way. The successes and challenges we've faced have made us stronger - bonded forever. Nearly a year into the pandemic, we both quit our jobs to find the next adventure - wherever that may lead. We started on a road trip with no destination and no goal except to be happy and discover new things. From New England to the Florida Keys, to Colorado, Oregon, California, and back - we've climbed some of the tallest peaks, visited more than half the US's National Parks, and visited friends and family along the way. We settled on Crested Butte, Colorado. A small mountain town at the end of the road. Tripp's family had lived there nearly 30 years and we wanted a taste of the magic. Ashley bartended and Tripp recovered from appendicitis that summer (bad timing!) only to realize we missed our friends, parents, and the beaches back home. We eventually returned to Mystic, Connecticut that fall. We had done so much together, our life in Mystic was fun and exciting - lots of good food, Ashley could walk to work in town and Tripp was moving up at his job. He eventually was offered a position as South Island Operations Manager of The Flagship Events Company - in NEW ZEALAND. An opportunity Tripp could not pass up - this was the biggest test of our relationship. While New Zealand was amazing, other-worldly, and culturally different, Tripp knew the moment he landed that he wanted to marry Ashley. And thus could not wait to see her again (I told my new boss on the ride from the airport that I wanted her to come visit during my time there and would propose). And that he did. Ashley came to visit for three weeks in February - with a Valentine's Day hike up to the Hooker Glacier, beneath Mt. Cook - NZ's tallest peak. It was an easy set-up. As avid geocachers, there happened to be one hidden at a perfect overlook. Ashley searched the nooks and crannies - turning around to find Tripp on one knee..... you can guess how it went - YES! Tripp's time in New Zealand eventually came to an end, returning to Mystic, Ashley, and their cat Whisk-a-Lifa. Needless to say, we survived our biggest test. We love being outdoors - kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, trying good food, discovering new places. Sometimes we'll just get in the car to drive around listening to music, to find new trails and geocaches. Then came Vander - our sweet rescue puppy many of you know. Tripp had forgotten all about Super Dog Adoption Day - until Ashley reminded him. Vander chose us and Tripp looked up at Ashley to say "Can we keep him?! Please?!" It was impossible to say no. Another huge test! And now we are here! The final stages of planning. We welcome you with open hearts and arms, embracing those most important to us. To make more memories, on the best day of our lives. We can't wait to see you.