Ashley and Nathan met back in 2006, without knowing what would one day be. They started dating in sophomore year of high school, after sharing a silly moment looking at musical greeting cards together, which exposed how goofy the pair was. After the gentle push & knowing look from friends (Hi Nive!), the two got together. and apart. and together (high school...). Senior year they stuck, and never became unstuck. Nathan went on to study Civil Engineering at Cal Poly & Ashley pursued Textile Design at the Academy of Art University. Through long distance, the two thrived (I like to remember hard times with rose-colored glasses). They visited one another often, planned fun trips, challenged each other's greatness, and tried their best to live in the moment when apart. When Nathan graduated college, the couple celebrated the end of long distance by traveling to Europe together for 6 weeks. They didn't kill each other - so they took it as a great sign. They spent the next year exploring San Francisco & Oakland together. Ashley eventually moved in with Nathan....and 3 other boys (Think "New Girl" but a bit less chaotic). They built long lasting friendships, a new understanding of what it means to be a "partner" in life, and a fondness of cats. After a pandemic, a career change, and a new cat the pair settled in Oakland in their own new apartment and finally felt ready for a new adventure.... On a rainy day in November, Nathan proposed to Ashley in the Morcom Rose Garden surrounded by vibrant flowers. She was definitely surprised. Ashley & Nathan have been celebrating this milestone for the last year, and are thrilled to be putting the finishing touches on their dream party that is a decade in the making. Thank you all for being a part of our story. We are so excited to celebrate with you!