We first met through mutual friends, and a mutual job. We'd known each other for about a year or more, but were in very different spots in our lives and didn't really connect or talk much. When Ella was looking for a roommate, our friend suggested Brent. We met at Ella's house, and immediately knew that we would be able to stand each other long enough to be roomies at the very least (video games were involved). Within a month, Brent moved in. There were bets amongst his family and friend who helped that day about how long the "roommate" title would last - apparently it was evident to everyone but us that we were good for each other. The natural ease we had helped cement an immediate friendship between us; many nights spent cooking (Ella quickly switched to veganism- our first meal together was Brussel Sprout Enchiladas - a favorite concoction to this day), watching movies and tv shows, and making music together became routine. And then, came Thunder Bay. At the time, we went knowing that we meant a lot to one another, but nothing more. Ella was seeing other people, Brent was convinced he was meant to be alone. After a completely spontaneous decision, a quick check for our passports, and making sure the dogs were going to be ok with a friend - we decided to make the 6 hour trip north to Canada. The day was spent in absolute harmony - exploring the shoreline, Canadian bowling, not having a plan or care in the world... the only thing we wanted to accomplish was seeing the northern lights. It was November - and we spent 2 hours sitting on an overlook of the city staring at the stars. Brent conveniently "lost" a glove, it was chilly... we didn't see the northern lights. We went home with the discussion of we didn't know what exactly was happening, but that what we had was real, and that it would last. It is a relationship based on a true friendship - of being open to possibilities, accepting of each other no matter what, and loving one another through it all.

In November, 2016, Ella's best friend got married, which spurred a bit more of a serious conversation about "marriage" for us. Ella was of the mindset that, "If we know it's going to happen, why not let it happen sooner rather than later? I'm not in a huge rush, but I'd also like to have as much time together as husband and wife as possible." Brent must have agreed, because not long after, he started looking for rings, and finally found the right one. It arrived, and 4 days later, we found out we were pregnant. Everything shifted. It was what we both wanted above anything. The marriage was secondary, but starting a family together was key. We shared the news with a poem: This Christmas has a bit more love than the last, Roommates to soulmates; My! Did we move fast! This year brought joy, but also brought pain, But, as a family we endured and somehow stayed sane. In love what feels right, is right, and we wanted more - They say to be happy, you must look to your core. Our life will have hills, but with love nothing can stop us! We're ecstatic to announce, WE'RE EXPECTING IN AUGUST! Brent held onto the ring, and wrote a proposal song that he was planning to perform and ask Ella at the end. But it was taking too long to set up an event! He started looking for other opportunities to pop the question - and one finally presented itself. On January 21st, 2017 - The Women's March took place. It was an international march protesting the election the day before, and advocating for human rights, social issues, and equality for all. Between 3 to 4 million people participated worldwide, and there were estimated to be between 90,000 and 100,000 at our local march in St. Paul. We went, we loved, we stood up for what we believed in. It was the perfect moment. Surrounded by thousands of people who felt the same things as us, Brent got down on one knee and asked Ella to be his wife.

We originally went into the wedding planning as a pregnant couple. We knew we wanted to get married, but we didn't really care about the when and where or anything else really. One thing we knew though - weddings are expensive. And we didn't care about the bells and whistles of spending a butt load of money on food and decorations. All we cared about was the union of our lives formally - cementing what we knew was already in place. It was jokingly suggested to us that we should elope - but the idea of an elopement was a bit too much for Ella, who wanted to be sure to have at least the closest family members possible there for the day. A mini-wedding plan was hatched, with plans for a future amazing trip together and building memories - instead of a one night party, why not a week long vacation to a destination unknown? Instead of buying into the marriage hype - why not do things our way and forge our own path? Instead of waiting another year - why not do it now when we could all share our name as a family once the baby is born? We know that a wedding would have been fun - everyone would have made it amazing, and there would have been no regrets! We will miss sharing the day with all of our loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and other family members as well. But just know you were with us in spirit - and we appreciate all of your positive thoughts! We look forward to celebrating with everyone on a more intimate level - through dinners, vegan barbecues, coffee dates, or holidays spent together! We love you all!

Jil, Myrrhiah, and a surprise guest, Aunt Lin from WA, arrived to the Twin Cities on Friday, July 21st. We all headed up to Duluth - meeting Chelsea and Kenn on the way as well. Grandy Crooks was able to fly to Duluth that day - and met us after enjoying some time along Canal Park. Once together, we all had our nails done (Yes- even Brent got a MAN-icure!), and then went out for dinner at Duluth Grille. While eating, huge storms rolled in over the hillside. There was a monstrous downpour - and we started preparing for the worst type of weather on the 22nd. Once the day hit, it was cloudy and stormy looking. The forecast called for rain until 2, and then again from 5 on. A perfect window of time for the ceremony! However, our umbrellas became useless when it turned into a sunny, gorgeous day! After checking on the ceremony site to make sure it wasn't underwater with Myrrhiah, Brent and Ella parted ways - Myrrhiah, Chelsea, and Ella went to get their hair and makeup done, and Brent went back to the hotel to greet his incoming family - Dana and Cheryl arrived to town first, followed by Robb, Tina, Gramma Abbott, Jake, and Maddie. With everyone gathered at the hotel, the photographer arrived and started taking "prep" pictures. The groom and his family in one suite getting ready - and the bride and her family in another. Everything was running right on schedule - and we headed off to the ceremony site (separate cars -no peeks for the groom!). Ella arrived last while Brent and Myrrhiah practiced vows and everyone else got in position on the rocks. "The Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel played and Ella walked out escorted by her mom. A perfect ceremony was performed by Myrrhiah, witnessed by Chelsea, Jake and the rest of the family. Self written vows were exchanged, love was professed, the union was made - Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon" played as the newly married Tilseth couple took pictures and went to dinner across the street at Clearwater Grille. It was AMAZING!