Covid was in full swing and socially distanced events were all we could do. So Ashley found a Granger Smith concert at Dell Diamond in Round Rock where we listened to music a car length apart from anyone else, had a picnic on her Jeep roof, played corn hole and watched fireworks across the Austin Skyline till about 3 am. (July 4, 2020)

We spent weekends taking turns tackling the 197 miles each way up and down I-35. For a solid year, we dated long distance and feel the intentional time together, while not losing ourselves, was a key foundation for the solid relationship we have going today. We also survived the great Texas Snowpocalypse of ‘21, comforted each other during Covid related stresses and family passings, and celebrated accomplishments like new jobs, new friends and new adventures.

October 31, 2021 Treasure Island, FL Ashley thought she was going out to buy Vans for back to school but ended up finding the perfect engagement ring instead. She texted Lindsey’s brothers, sister in law and Aunt Beccy immediately and eventually FaceTimed Lindsey’s parents to show them the 💍 and ask for their blessing. With 4th of July being our meeting date, what better way to get engaged than on another fun holiday… Halloween?! With her drone in hand and after a fun, but cold relaxing day on the beach, Ashley set out for a private area of the white sandy shoreline. She had a couple of important, sappy things to say before fumbling through her bag and eventually getting down on one knee to propose.

Dec 21, 2021 Tavern on the Green New York, New York Talk about a made-for-hallmark holiday special! Lindsey’s surprise proposal had all the elements of a Christmas in New York dream. Diamonds. Jet setting. Central Park. The entire wait staff in on the surprise… With her love of Christmas, all the lights and Buddy the Elf, Lindsey knew the perfect place to ask Ashley to be hers forever. Tavern on the Green was the backdrop and a specially printed, one of a kind personalized menu, paired with a tiny blue box and an old fashioned completed the scene. After showing much excitement for an appetizer with her favorite fruit, figs, Lindsey finally directed the oblivious Ashley to the center of the menu where TOTG had printed Lindsey’s special words and engagement question. With Lindsey on one knee and a blue box in hand, the entire dining room erupted into cheers and applause once I finally said “Yes!”

Lindsey’s always been on a mission to know a company’s why. Who do you help? What’s your mission? How are your products made and sourced? With a wedding in Connecticut and a reception in Austin originally planned, Lindsey and Ashley wanted to make sure some of Ashley’s oldest and most loved family members would be able to join with ease. So Lindsey went on the hunt where she found Bonton Farms… a community-focused, purpose-driven farm and garden geared at giving those down on their luck or who have survived hard times a skill, some resume tweaking and a sense of purpose, community and home. Not a typical wedding venue, but our story isn’t typical either. When given the opportunity to spend an evening with friends and family, our hearts are so full knowing that 100% of the wedding costs stay at the farm and go back into community outreach, education and sustainability.