Round 1: The Meeting

Aaaaahhh not so good the first time around. Here these two are at their friend’s wedding (to be clear they did not attend together…so not happening at this point). Yeeeeaaaahhh  they were chosen to walk down the aisle together (insert frown from both of them)! Even though the “I’m going to be your wife” vibe was not there they sure did take a stunning pic (maybe it’s the yellow dress)…especially for two people that soooo didn’t want to be standing next to each other. I’m thinking the trick to a good pic is to not like the person you’re in it with! Do you think maybe they were trying to “out do” each other…nooooo Ashley and Justin aren’t competitive…I think I forgot to add that above. So they walk down the aisle, sparks DO NOT fly, and they part their separate ways of course one goes west back to Colorado and another east to Chicago.

Round 2: What’s Your Name Again?

So after the whirlwind wedding these two cats are brought back together by the same friends…imagine that…you almost wonder if they were trying to set them up…hmmmmm??? They meet up for a couple of drinks with some friends and family and the bantering begins. There was some tension, but who was to know if it was “flirting” or an actual detest for one another. After hearing “I wouldn’t kick her out of bed for eating crackers” I knew it was a form of flirting. What “form”?... to this day I’m not sure.

Unfortunately for Justin, he didn’t make a big enough impression in Round 1. Ashley couldn’t remember his name. But clever as she is, she pulled out the smooth move of “let me see your ID” Good one Ash because fortunately for you I’m sure he didn’t catch on! While Justin’s memory was slightly cloudy, he at least hesitantly asked his buddy “is that the chic I walked down the aisle with? Yep, two class acts here!

Round 3: I’m Never Living in ND Again

As you all know, both of them bailed on our lovely state and wanted to see the world. Ok, really they just didn’t want to live in ND – ever again! Regardless of what they wanted, they both ended up moving back to this frozen tundra. Since they had to live here, why not make the best of it and surround yourself with others that don’t want to live here. They spent several weekends together…with friends. A night at the lake led them to dancing. Yes, Justin dances. I personally have never seen it, so I’m not sure how legit this part of the story is, but we’ll just go with it. I need to take a moment to fill those in that do not know that Justin and Ashely are rival hockey fans – he actually finds a chic that played, let alone likes, hockey and she’s a Blackhawks fan! A Red Wings fan’s worst nightmare. As Justin was getting ready to bust out his “dancing moves”, Ashley was quick to put a stop to what was happening. You ask why? Well, isn’t it obvious…he was wearing a Red Wings sweatshirt! This could have been a total deal breaker, but after a couple “Diesels” he obliged and removed the sweatshirt. Aaaaaaaahhh how sweet! I know, this is quite the tear jerker!

Round 4: Hey, I Like You – Let’s Date

After a summer of dancing, well maybe 1 dance, they decided to start hanging out…without their friends. The first step to being in a relationship…admitting you like each other! The second step is telling others you like each other. Funny how Justin forgot to tell the most important person in his life…come on you all know who that is…his SISTER! One night as I’m hanging out with my family, my husband casually drops the news that my brother is on a date. Ummmm…excuse me? I think you stuttered…did I just hear you right and most importantly, why does Nathan know before me?!?! Being the passive and sensitive sister I am, I immediately texted Justin to let him know he will be stopping by my house asap, oh and bring your “date”! After being “wined and dined” Ashley was brought over to meet us…and how could I not absolutely love her! Sorry, Justin but it was “love at first sight” for me…not sure what took you so long!