we're getting hitched!

She thought he was interesting. He thought she was gorgeous and way out of his league. Hinge thought they both needed to get off the app. So he messaged her, and she messaged back, and since then their phones have not gotten a single day of rest. Days passed, batteries died (mostly Robert's), and they found they shared a lot; faith, hobbies, books, good taste in food, and incredibly busy schedules. It took a while to actually meet face to face. Copper Mountain is where they first truly met, and it was less a date than a reunion of dear friends, long-separated. There were accents and jokes and several collisions with trees, but by the end of the day, it was clear that Robert's days as a skiing bachelor were numbered, and Ashlynn would be adding some speculative skiing images to her wedding Pinterest board. Since then, they have been nearly inseparable, climbing mountains, skiing down them, running, making music, and cooking good food for family and friends alike. Oh, and they are very madly in love, in case that was any question.

Ashlynn was deathly ill for a week, ruining many romantic plans for a 6-month anniversary dinner, a family birthday dinner, and most importantly, hiking Capitol Peak with Robert and some friends. After one trip to urgent care, one visit to the ER, and a variety of medical interventions, Ashlynn recovered enough to return to normal life, including going back to work. Robert had stayed in Colorado Springs with Ashlynn's family, caring for her throughout her illness, and after her recovery, needed a ride back to Brighton and his car. Robert told Ashlynn that her illness had derailed his plan to propose, which meant that he would have to make some new plans, making it more obvious when he would propose. Robert and Ashlynn planned to have dinner with a couple of friends after walking around Garden of the Gods for his last evening in town before Ashlynn drove him back home. They hiked around the main attractions of Garden of the Gods, including the Balanced Rock, major sightseeing stops, and the gift shop. They were leaving the park when Robert said he wanted to stop and look at the view from one particular point. They hiked around, and, noting the beauty, Ashlynn said, "Robert, this is such a beautiful moment. If I had a ring, I'd propose to you right now." To which, Robert responded, "Well, it's not up to you or your timing, and I don't even have the ring!" They walked a little further down the hill when they noticed the box set for Jane Austen's full collection of works. Robert handed Pride and Prejudice to Ashlynn, which had an inscription inside the front cover. Ashlynn, thinking that the books were someone else's, skimmed the inscription and was stunned to see that her name was at the bottom of the note. In confusion, she turned around to find Robert holding the ring. Robert knelt on one knee and proposed, as his sister, Rachael, popped out from her hiding spot and took photos of the couple. Ashlynn shouted "Yes, of course!", among other things, to his proposal, and that was that! We are so excited to share our joy with you at our wedding! We are so grateful for your love, support, and generosity in joining in our celebration!