to the moon and back

For those who know Ashley, you know how much she’s always adored the cosmos. Her love for the moon, stars, and all things space has been a lifelong passion. In August 2017, she had a life-changing moment when she and her father watched the solar eclipse together in Cody, Wyoming. Ashley couldn’t stop talking about it, especially with Evan, whom she began dating in March of 2017. From that moment on, Ashley dreamed of experiencing a total solar eclipse with Evan by her side. Fast forward to April 8th, 2024, when Ashley and Evan embarked on a road trip to Texas, eager to witness Evan’s first total solar eclipse. The forecast called for clouds, and as they anxiously awaited the event, nerves started to build. But just as the eclipse entered totality, the clouds shifted, revealing a breathtaking view of this natural phenomenon. It was the perfect moment. After Ashley soaked in the beauty of the eclipse, Evan knelt down to ask her to marry him. Surrounded by their family, it was a magical, unforgettable moment that Ashley had always imagined—a moment that would mark the beginning of their forever. Evan couldn’t have picked a better time to show his love and understanding of her, making it even more special. They hold on to a gifted bookmark with "Advice from a Solar Eclipse," which they plan to carry with them as they begin this next chapter together. The advice reads: 1) See the total picture 2) Be moved by beauty 3) Live in the moment 4) Celebrate nature's cycles 5) Don’t be afraid of the dark 6) Be naturally phenomenal 7) Lighten up As Ashley and Evan journey onward into this new life as one, they will always remember the eclipse as the beginning of their forever.