Who would’ve thought that a girl with an alto saxophone and a boy with two drumsticks would find their way back to each other, 6 years later? It all started in 8th grade band class in 2013. It was my first day, and out of all the kids in the room, the curly-headed, slightly awkward drummer caught my eye. As fate would have it, he found out his best friend had started talking to me—and somehow, that gave him the courage to pull me aside after band class and ask me to be his girlfriend. We were just kids, but it felt like something special. He came to my softball games, met my mom and dad—and even my cat, Harley. He brought sweet little gifts, one of which I still have: a little monkey that says “Lake Tahoe.” It meant the world to me back then. I was adjusting to a hard move from Tahoe to Santa Rosa, and his kindness brought me comfort. After a month or two of sweaty hand-holding and googly-eyed glances, I ended things to focus on my mental health and body image struggles. But even as time passed, and we’d occasionally run into each other around town, we’d both still get rosy cheeks and a few butterflies. Timing, however, was never on our side. Fast forward to fall of 2018—we were both attending Santa Rosa Junior College. I spotted him across campus while waiting for my mom. I remember thinking, “It’s now or never.” I ran all the way to the bookstore, opened the door, and said, “I don’t know if you remember me, but... my name’s Ashley.” A little while later, after some of life’s challenges, I got a message from him inviting me to a movie night with friends. Again—now or never. One word: yes. He suggested we catch up beforehand so it wouldn’t be awkward. One word: absolutely. He came over on March 13th at 3 o'clock—and from that moment on, we’ve been inseparable. Through the highest highs and lowest lows—from losing my mom, to living in a trailer, to everything in between—we made it through. Together. And now, on the longest day of the year, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the love that’s grown through every season, every setback, and every serendipitous second chance.