Love

Ashley and Nik knew they were made for each other the first time their eyes met. Both had just gone through years of pressure facing midterms, autopsies and brains in jars while pursuing their Masters degrees in Occupational Therapy at the University of Utah. They didn't know each other then since they were in different stages of study. Ashley graduated first, while Nik's course of study extended out to light years as he was juggling National Guard duty with homeownership, skiing and occasional Ironman competitions. So it came to pass that unbeknownst to each other, they both ended up on May day at the San Diego Zoo, contemplating the 150 or so pink flamingos standing one-legged around the pool. On one side of the circular pool, Ashley mimicked the wading birds, trying to stand on one leg while spinning like a ballerina. Nik, on the other side of the pool, did the same, but adding what's called the "twist-preen" by angling his neck to the back as if to preen feathers. That move proved to be a lock. As Ashley twirled and Nik preened, their dreamy eyes melted into one another. They sensed their dizzying inner connection to zoo birds, nature and even wildlife that might otherwise chase or threaten them. On that magical silly day in May, they fell in love with the Phoenocopteridae they were watching and with each other. They realized that the two of them were flamingos at heart: they liked to roam the zoo, stand on one leg, and enjoy the company of others. Ashley and Nik did not realize they would marry on that day, but they sensed it was only a matter of time before destiny kicked in. And so it was: Today they stand before you -- each on one leg or two -- as true and lasting love birds. *The Story as allegedly passed through the grapevines of Ute legend.