note (1) to readers, all ~
so you know how, up to this point, we've provided an excerpt from each finalist couple's story?
well, we just couldn't excerpt from this next couple's essay and do it justice...so what the heck, here's THE WHOLE thing as it arrived our inbox, complete with photo caption, too.
note (2) to um, primarily our MALE readership ~ but hey, correct us if we're making too many assumptions
clar·et \ˈkler-ət, ˈkla-rət\ Middle English, from Anglo-French 1578 (vin) claret clear wine, from claret clear, from cler clear : (noun) a red Bordeaux wine; also: a similar wine produced elsewhere; (adj) a dark purplish red
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To: Amy and Kim
Re: Win Our Hearts/Win Your Wedding
Hearts of Claret
As told by Ashlee, in a (secret) tribute to the man who gave her heart color
Black, daffodil, navy, claret I, cinnamon, claret II, wine. Six colors for seven weddings, and seven dresses for this perpetual bridesmaid. Yes, two strapless Mori Lee dresses in claret with just a slightly different gathered waist. But that’s another story.
Always the bridesmaid and thankfully never the bride, I liked to say. College and career took precedence over marriage for this country girl with city-like dreams. The year of claret, however, marked a change in my life.
Between claret I in 2004 and claret II in 2005, I went off to grad school at the Missouri School of Journalism and met Jeff, a short, stocky guy who worked for Mizzou. Definitely not my type, but Jeff was a smart-ass and a Cardinals fan, two characteristics I greatly admired. And soon, just like a wedding dress at David’s Bridal, I was hunted.
It started with happy hour, then a dinner here and a baseball game there. He was a romantic and I was a cynic, and I told him every reason in the book why we shouldn’t be together. He ignored every one of them and slowly, surely, taught me to look inside myself. By claret II, the superficial aversions to relationships and marriage that I had clung to no longer made sense. From him, I learned that no one will judge you for loving a man two inches shorter than you; that having a partner can help you achieve more, not less; and that loving someone helps complete your individuality instead of taking it from you.
Perhaps the two dresses in claret – a deep red, the kind you imagine flows through the heart – were a sign. He gave me his heart by the first, and I was finally able to give him mine by the second. So I’m writing this for him, the man who loves weddings almost as much as he loves me. Rightfully, no wedding dress, song or color can represent what we feel for each other or how we’ve grown since the year of claret. But on that special day, we know our family and friends will recognize our true colors – by the light in our eyes, the warmth of our touch and the bright future ahead of us.
Photo Captionhey ashlee, does jeff know yet or is this still a secret?
Jeff gleefully caught the garter at my brother’s wedding (and threw a few elbows to do so.) The wedding was post claret II, but as a recovering wedding-phobe, I playfully shot Jeff “the look” as the photographer captured our interaction. I love the joy in his face brought forth by the slightest superstition that it might be his turn next.
and that, silver lining readers, is the 5th of our 5 finalists.
we've got a tough task ahead of us. we're torn five ways. we'll keep you "posted," so to speak :'). we originally hoped to announce the winning couple tomorrow (wednesday), but it may take us a day or two longer to read through all your comments and decide (in part because amy is shooting a engagement session in san francisco over the next two days).
be well!
with love,
kim wade + amy enderle
31 COMMENTS:
Ashlee and Jeff -
What else can I say? You two are so imperfect for each other, you're perfect! Or, at least that's how it sounds in your essay.
I have enjoyed getting to know you both over the past 2 years. I've been through your ups and downs (thanks Jeff) and everything in between. Honestly, I couldn't imagine a more perfect couple and I'm thrilled for you to begin your new journey together (FINALLY!). Good luck with this - you deserve it more than anyone I know!
Love,
Stevie
This is Jeff's "boss" (ha, ha...in the office, anyway). When I recruited PR rock-star Jeff Neu to come work for us, I had know idea I'd be separating a two-some. The guilt! For almost two years now, the two have been weekend commuters -- burning up Hwy 70 between Columbia and St. Louis (presumably to Golden Earing's "Radar Love" - although that may be before their time). They have tons in common: both smart, funny communications people who's clients and colleagues know their the bomb, they both love the Cardinals, and they both kick serious booty on the softball field.
The only thing they don't have in common is their height. Maybe the right wedding photographer can make Jeff taller than Ashlee in the wedding photos.
I can't think of two individuals more perfectly suited for each other -- and yet, their story isn't a "perfect love story" -- which is what makes it real, and easily identifiable for real people. What a beautiful story -- good luck Jeff & Ashlee!
Hi, I am one of Ashlee’s many cousins. I too have the Claret 1 dress (which was beautiful), and I shared many of Ashlee’s sentiments about marriage at that point. However, as I hear Ashlee talk about her relationship with Jeff, I know that has all changed! It is fantastic to see a couple that complements each other so well. It is truly amazing that she was able to find that one person that can complete her individuality and make her so genuinely happy. We all know Ashlee wouldn’t settle for anything less! And Jeff is clearly a smart man to see what a fantastic person he found in Ashlee. I think they are a great example for other couples (even the cynics) and will always have the full support of their family and friends.
As a part of her extended (and somewhat large but awesome) family, I know I speak for everyone in saying that we all love her dearly and wish her and Jeff all the best in the future!
This is Ashlee’s younger brother and the one who tossed the now infamous garter you see in the picture. Just to give you the background behind the garter toss….. it was slightly choreographed. Jeff approached me before the toss to “let me know where he was going to be standing” which would be “worthwhile” (wink, wink). So before the toss I took a quick peak to see where exactly Jeff was standing and made sure it went in his direction. As I turned I saw that Jeff was going to make sure he came away with the prize. I’ve kept this as our little secret……until now. Some might read this and judge Jeff to be somewhat of a desperate soul (certainly that happened to be the first thing that popped into my mind), however when you are with the two of them it quickly becomes evident that Jeff would stop at nothing to win Ashlee’s heart, even chasing a little superstition. So what I originally thought to be an act of desperation, I now see as an act of determination. I love my sister very much and wish her and Jeff the best and hope they win this contest.
P.S. I appreciate the definition of claret. I admit to asking my wife yesterday “what color claret most resembles?” after reading Ashlee’s essay.
What can you say when your sons find the women of their dreams. I look forward to the day when I will have their wives as daughters-in-law (since I know that their parents will always come first) that I can cherish as much as my boys. Jeff and Ashlee have carried on a long distance relationship that exceeds the time many couples' marriages survive. I have watched Jeff grow in so many ways while the miles on his car have multiplied many fold. I also believe that I have witnessed the same transformation in Ashlee just as her cars have changed through all of the travel. They both have to have all the billboards memorized between St. Louis and Columbia.
It is amazing to see how they now look at each other through tender eyes that shout their love for the other. Jeff and Ashlee are two very independent people that I believe will truly make a strong union that will endure for years to come.
Thank you for your contest and for this opportunity to briefly express our thoughts about two people we love.
Jeff's Dad
With Jeff such a movie buff, I wrote this in terms he would appreciate.
Ashlee and Jeff are certainly a "Love Story" for "Modern Times." She is not just a "Drop Dead Gorgeous" "Pretty Woman," but is also "The Shining" "Star" in my son's "Life." She's one of those "Smart People" with a "Big" "Heart," who would do or "Say Anything" to "Help" "Family" and "Friends."
What can I say "About a Boy" named Jeff? He is "So Dear to My Heart," our "First Born" and a "Loving," caring son. He's also a "Die Hard" "Major League" fan. "On Any Given Sunday," "The Fan" AKA Jeff might be watching "The Cardinal" game, "The Silence of the Lambs" (Rams), or "The Blues Brothers" on ice. Jeff not only works from "Nine to Five" at "The Firm," but works on "The Net" "After Hours" in "The Apartment."
The two extra-"Ordinary People" are "Living in Missouri." Jeff lives in the "Metropolis" of St. Louis, while Ashlee lives in the "College" town of Columbia. One must "Drive" on "Highway" 70 "Across the Wide Missouri" every "Freaky Friday" so they can spend time together. Each has been a "Victim" of "Higher and Higher" "Gas" prices, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" "Easy Listening" "Radio" stations, and "Bad" "Traffic." All this while trying to avoid a "Crash" on "The Asphalt Jungle."
Jeff and Ashlee weren't "Born Yesterday." They have no "Grand Illusion" of what love is. They know it takes hard "Work" both "Night and Day." There might be a "Blow-up," "Cries and Whispers." But, I know "The Conversation" between these two "Friends and Lovers" will soothe "The Sting" and their "Love Actually" will "Help" them "Do the Right Thing." Their love is no "Charade," "It's A Gift"--"The Real Thing!"
Jeff's Mom
I have 5 brothers, so I thought I pretty much knew how guys are. But Jeff is a rare one. Ashlee's description of him is apt -- he's not one bit afraid to show how crazy he is about her and his desire for them to live happily ever after. Glad you guys are going strong and headed down the aisle!
I'm Ashlee's older sister, Mandy. It did not surprise me that Ash was a finalist in an essay contest. Ashlee's writing skills have earned her scholarships, awards, and even a career - her number one love until Jeff! What did surprise me was that it was for a wedding contest?!? Not the sister I know! What's the saying -Love is a mysterious thing? I'd say so! Only love would make Ash surrender her private, women's liberal lifestyle and show Jeff she truly loves him by possibly giving him a permanent memory of one of his most enjoyable events - a wedding - and better yet maybe even his own! Kim and Amy, Ashlee's writing may make her the author of this love story, but your photographs could be the illustrations to document this unique beginning of a husband and wife.
Ashlee is one of the most incredibly gifted and strong women I know. And she's certainly the most feminist. Yet somehow, Jeff (patiently) wove himself into the very fibers of her being and taught her that being a feminist has nothing to do with being in love. I've never seen her happier.
Maybe she should ask her wedding party to wear claret, too.
Ashlee and Jeff are beautiful people from the inside out!
Ashlee is my neice and I have loved her for many reasons. She is beautiful, smart, elegant, kind, loving, respectful of herself and others, and funny in her own special way. She was born just weeks before my youngest son, so I feel a special bond with her. She deserves the very best.
As for being taller than Jeff, there is absolutely no law against it! I';m taller than my husband and we've been married almost 40 years. I think Ashlee and Jeff can make it too!
I don't know Jeff well, but he has to be very smart, savvy and persistent to have won Ashlee's heart. I know that she must love him dearly if she agreed to marry nim. (by the way, I don't think she is as cynical as she would like Jeff to think!)
All my love to these two, and pick them, they deserve it!
Ashley is one of the most gifted and strong women I know. And she's certainly the most feminist. Yet somehow, Jeff (patiently) wove himself into the very fiber of her being, and taught her that being a feminist had nothing to do with being in love. I've never seen her happier.
Maybe she should ask her wedding party to wear claret, too.
I am Ashlee's college roommate and the proud bride who made her wear the Claret II dress! In the past 8 years that I have known Ashlee, she has been there for me in my times of sorrow and of course my many moments of pure joy. While planning my own wedding, Ashlee lovingly put up with me and my giddiness while deep down I knew that if she had to look at one more bridal magazine laying around our apartment she might pull her hair out. I was always the hopeless romantic and Ashlee was the one who just wasn't sure if she believed in all that love stuff. Until she met Jeff. Something changed, she was still the Ashlee I knew and loved, yet she now had a softer side and a twinkle in her eye. Could it actually be love? She tried to fight it first, but I knew deep down, this may actually be it! Even though I was starting to see how happy Jeff was making her, I still wasn't sure if I'd ever see the day when Ashlee would give in to love and become Jeff's wife and then that day came, I answered my phone on a very joyous October morning and I could actually hear Ashlee smiling as she told me the story of her engagment. I have never been so happy for 2 people as I am for Jeff and Ashlee. They compliment each other and love each other in a way that can only be described as true love. I always knew that Ashlee had it in her, it just took seven bridemaids dresses, a few best friends and one amazing man to help her finally reach her ultimate happiness and find true love!
Ashlee & Jeff, what can I say! These two have followed a long and winding path to get to where they are today.
Ashlee is beautiful, funny, elegant, loving, kind, athletic, and a wonderful person. I could go on and on about her, but you would probably think I'm partial because I am her Aunt. You would be correct about the partial part, however, I am telling the truth, and she is all those things and more!
Since Jeff has won her heart, I know that he is a great person. I hope that I get a chance to know him better since he is obviously a very smart young man with discriminating taste in ladies!
Good luck guys, I hope you win!
Having joined Ashlee's family 10 years ago, I have come to know, love and admire her. Ashlee is not only beautiful and intelligent, but she has a great spunky personality! She has a deep and abiding love for her family and friends, who she will defend aggressively if the need arises. She has always been happy to be the bride's maid and not the bride, so I have known for years that it would take a certain kind of man to get and keep her attention. Jeff is handsome, no question about that, but it takes more than good looks to impress a woman like Ashlee! His intellegence, quick wit, self confidence, maturity, and determination are just a few of the characteristics that set him apart from other men. Ashlee may be a cynic, but she is no fool, and who could resist Jeff forefver?? :) Jeff and Ashlee are perfect for each other. I love them both dearly!! Aunt Nancy
"Claret I" that was my wedding! I am one of Ashlee's oldest friends. From playing sports in the pee wee leagues to chasing boys in high school-we have done it all! We would cruise the streets of our hometown looking for boys...I went through my fair share, but Ashlee was always too concerned with sports and good grades to let a boy get in the way. I always admired how independent she was, but always hoped that someday she would meet "Mr. Right."
I believe that Jeff may have been in Ashlee's life for a while before I actually met him (this was probably during the time she was telling Jeff all the reasons they shouldn't be together :). However, when I did meet him I was shocked. I remember thinking, great a city boy and Ashlee is bringing him "out to the farm" (where we live).
Ashlee introduced him and he couldn't get out the door quick enough to take in the sights of the country and see the animals. I instantly loved him and knew he was perfect for Ashlee (the country girl who loved the city).
As I have watched Ashlee and Jeff's relationship grow I see just how perfect they are for each other and know that they will have a "happily ever after ending." There truly can't be a couple more deserving of a perfect wedding and a wonderful life! Good luck Ashlee and Jeff-I love both of you!!!
Dear Amy and Kim,
Ashlee is my cousin, but as family ties go, she may as well be my sister. We grew up together, only one mile apart and, although we attended different schools and branched out in our lives, we’ve always stayed close. In those times, Ashlee and I have gloried in our shared cynicism and sarcasm, disparaging relationships, marriages and the fools in them alike. But when Ashlee finally “came out” to the family about dating Jeff, that all changed. Her eyes were different, as was her smile. And the way Jeff looks at Ashlee is the way that every woman wants a man to look them.
They have an amazing bond, an unexpected mesh of personalities. And, although they didn’t travel vast distances or endure great physical hardships to grow together, their journey towards loving one another was no less a feat and a blessing. Theirs will be a charmed union. Ashlee glows when she speaks about Jeff (and you are to understand that, generally, Ashlee is not the type of girl who “glows”). She is a tough-as-nails, tell-it like-it-is, many-hyphenated-idiomatic-phrases-for-strong and independent woman. And Jeff makes her glow.
That is enough to make him as a brother to me and trust him with her heart.
And after seeing your website, I trust Silver Box Photography to capture the love between these two birds. They deserve to have it shown so sweetly as many others have with your talents.
Sincerely,
1st Cousin Stacy (the sharp-tongued-wit)
Hello, I also work with Jeff and am a sucker for love stories that aren't fairy tales. I wanted to leave a comment to let Ashlee know how amazingly written her essay is. I melt every time I read it. I hope you always keep that passion for each other and wish you both the best. Oh and by the way, how brave of you to invite the entire office to your reception...I heard what happened at the Christmas party!
Cheers,
Reba
This is Ashlee (and Jeff's) friend Allie. I'm a sucker for love stories. I can watch chick-flicks over and over again, melting at the sheer romance and perfection of how the stories unravel.
However, after being married for nearly three years, I've come to realize that love doesn't fall into our laps like in the movies. In real life, love comes from a lot of patience, trust, hard work and compromise, and sometimes you have to let go of yourself a little bit to share in something greater with the one you love. Those virtues are exactly what have brought Ashlee and Jeff to where they are today. Their love story may not be traditional, but coming from someone who has watched it unfold, it has been just as beautiful and joyful to watch as a picture-perfect love story.
I have been rooting for Ashlee and Jeff since "the hunt" began and I am so happy their story has a happy ending. No, a happy beginning because regardless of what happens in this contest, they have real-life love that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to you both, and good luck!
You often hear love is a delicate balance between two opposites. It's that balance that makes Ashlee and Jeff a great match. I met Ashlee in grad school in a class that almost made me rethink my decision to spend thousands on an advanced degree. She struck me as a person who never gives up, stands by her decisions and will fight to the death to prove her point. She inspired me to not give up on my aspirations. Then I met Jeff. He's the kind of guy you'd love to take home to mom or tell your troubles to at the end of a long day. But he still had enough vigor to hold his own against Ashlee, which made conversations with the pair very amusing. When they were together, Jeff had a way of softening Ashlee like no one else could. Don't get me wrong, she'd poke fun and tease him when she could, but Jeff could give it right back. His understanding and laid-back ways are the perfect balance to her drive and ambition. They truly bring out the best in each other and I couldn't be happier for this perfect couple.
Cheers to you both! It’s truly been a pleasure getting to know you. As a former colleague of Jeff’s, I remember having regular conversations with him that spanned countess topics, mostly involving work but, on occasion, also love. One of my favorite comments he would reiterate with some frequency was that he valued Ashley not only as the woman he continually marveled, but also as his steady teammate who shared the journey. Here’s to two people I couldn’t be more delighted to see on the same team for years to come. Congratulations on your happy union.
Ashlee (and Jeff),
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I just loved your essay. You can thank your mom for passing the word on to her buddies.
Best wishes to both of you!
Denise B.
Hi, I’m Ashlee’s mother and keeper of all the bridesmaid dresses! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Ashlee would choose a family wedding and reception since she is the daughter (out of four) who protested marriage and wedding trappings the loudest. As a loyal friend or sister she supported all her high school, college, and family brides but all the while touted the nonsense of traditional wedding regalia: showers, wedding colors, flowers, cakes, veils, music, dresses, something borrowed, something blue. I assumed, since my Ashlee loves to travel, that when the right man came along she would do a quiet destination wedding. But along came Jeff and what at first seemed the odd couple soon became the comfortable couple:
Jeff has one brother; Ashlee has three sisters and a brother.
Jeff is from the city; Ashlee is from the country.
Jeff has cat allergies; Ashlee loves cats.
Jeff loves sweets; Ashlee is health food conscious.
Jeff loves movies; Ashlee is a book person.
Ashlee is a cynic; Jeff has a sarcastic wit.
Ashlee loves a good party; Jeff is the life of the party.
Ashlee loves theater; Jeff loves to take her.
Ashlee is an intellectual; Jeff is her equal.
Ashlee is competitive; Jeff isn’t going to lose.
Ashlee loves Jeff; Jeff adores Ashlee.
Comfortable, happy, able to compromise. Ashlee and Jeff are the perfect odd couple; oddly enough choosing a more traditional wedding, and I can now be the keeper of the wedding gown instead of the bridesmaid dresses.
I am Ashlee's Dad and would like to weigh in with a comment or two about this wedding "thing". Ashlee is the last of our five children to take the matrimonial plunge. Four of these five are girls and I think only a father can feel like we are losing something special in our lives when we walk that beautiful little girl down that aisle and hand her over to that "stranger" waiting for her and trust that he will take the same interest in her well-being as I have since her first breath of air was taken. Now what about that "stranger"---oh well lets call him by name----Jeff. I must admit that Jeff has won our hearts as well. I know he is a very smart person-----because he asked my daughter to marry him and my daughter only hangs out with smart people. Jeff comes from a very fine and gracious family that we enjoy very much. Now about this wedding. You really haven't been to a party until one of the Erwin girls gets married. We love to celebrate---especially when something happens that makes us all a little giddy with love and anticipation.
Ashlee & Jeff, we love you beyond any measure that you know and we look forward with anticipation to your life together.
Dad.
Unlike everyone else on this blog, I met Jeff and Ashlee AFTER their engagement and on the brink of their wedding planning. Jeff arrived at my office first as Ashlee was caught in Friday afternoon traffic. While chatting with Jeff, he revealed to me their story of committed travel on I-70 and Ashlee's lack of marital interest. Jeff, however, was not dettered because as he explained to me - he knew he had to have her.
Jeff and Ashlee - even though I've only just met you and will know you for a short period of your life, you've inspired me enough to go home this week and squeeze my husband and children a little tighter. Thank you for blessing me with the story of your journey. Plus, it doesn't hurt that you're Cardinals fans!!
Best of luck!
Kami
I recently started working with Jeff six months ago. My first impression was the day he told the office that he and Ashlee got engaged. You could tell he was excited and that they were ready for the best and most trying commitment ever. They compliment one another and really deserve to win!
Good luck!!
I have known Ashlee for a few years now, and I would definitely say she has made my life richer by considering me as a friend. I LOVE THIS GIRL! She is one of the most caring and beautiful (inside and out) women I have ever met.
Every memory I have of her is a warm one...like the time we spent spring break at Padre and she got sick (I'll spare her the embarassment of expanding on that subject); and the time I had the priviledge of going home with her and her roomie all the way to Kirksville over the weekend (and she got pulled over for speeding--another embarassing subject). Anyways, I guess what I'm trying to impart is that every minute with Ashlee is fun, funny, exciting and definitely worth it.
I was surprised to find out she was DATING someone, and then I met Jeff and I understood why she was drawn to him. What a great guy for a great girl! I'm so excited for the two of them, and I really think they ought to win this competition (shameless plug). The two of them, with their dynamic personalities and winning attitudes, will go far in life and in love.
My best of warmest wishes. I love you guys!
D
One-hundred twenty. It's a number that always seems to stick in my head. What does it represent?
Was it the number of home runs I hit in Little League? Only in my dreams.
Is it the number of times I've watched The Godfather? Close, but not quite.
Is it my average score in golf? I'm bad, but not that bad.
How about the number of times I asked Ash out before she finally said yes? It may have seemed like it. :)
It's actually the number Ash and I see on the same two mileage signs on Highway 70 each time we leave Columbia or St. Louis every Friday evening as we speed like low-flying planes just to hear those two special words in person for the first time that week:
"Hi Sweetie!"
It's funny how two simple words can carry so much meaning and help put all of the frustrations of work, of finances, of family and of friends into perspective. Those two words can wash troubles away, bring joy back into life and make one realize how special life is and how lucky they are. Two words for two people who started a journey together almost four years ago.
I know our story isn't the typical "Love at First Sight" one, with wedding bells ringing as soon as our eyes met. I think her eyes actually met the tips of the spikes of my hair that first day - heels didn't help the fact that she was already a good two inches taller than me!
Did it matter? Well, I believe couples need to be comfortable with who they are both on the inside and out. I wasn't her type. I knew that, yet didn't accept it. This was a challenge. I was willing and ready to put years into winning her over. Every time she gave me a reason not to date her, it gave me another reason to try harder. Was it an act of blind desperation that drove me to continue the pursuit? I don't think so because the more I was with her, around her or just thinking about her, the better person I became. I dropped 20 pounds and started running with her. Her motivation got me to get my master's degree. She showed me how to have a more positive attitude about my job. I could go on for days.
But the most important thing that happened during the pursuit: we became best friends. We weren't dating yet, but we were partners. We could count on each other, confide in each other, vent to each other and, in the end, love each other.
It is that strong bond that we built during those first few years that helped us through some tough times when I moved to St. Louis almost two years ago.
It is that bond we have with each other's family and friends, who we all love and cherish so very much.
It is that bond that has brought us back together for every weekend but two since I moved.
And it is that bond that led me to ask that important question to her last October: Will you, sweetie, spend the rest of your life with this short, stocky man who loves you more than life itself?
And while that special day is more than a year away, I look forward to this Friday evening and that sign marked "Columbia 120." I know that in just a short while, I'll get the chance to say those two special words to the woman I love so much.
"Hi Sweetie!"
I love you, Ash.
Jeff
I am the guilty party that forced Ashlee to wear the sixth of her infamous bridesmaid's dresses. Upon asking her to be one of my beloved bridesmaids, Ashlee pleaded with me make one of my wedding colors "claret" so that she wouldn't have to buy another dress. She didn't win that battle, but she stood there with me on my special day regardless. I am Ashlee's younger (and better looking) cousin, Cassie Kay. I became engaged to my husband Matt over three years ago straight out of college. The first person I told about the engagement was, of course, my Mother. My Mom was ecstatic and immediately began notifying the entire family via phone. I suddenly became nervous and told my Mom that she could tell everyone except Ashlee. I have absolutely adored and admired Ashlee since we were little brats...ahem...I mean kids. Ashlee has always been so independent, sure of herself and head-strong regarding the track of her life. I always envisioned Ashlee traveling the world with a backpack on her back and only a passport in her pocket. She seemed unstoppable to me. At the time of my engagement I felt that if Ashlee found out that I ran off straight out of college to marry a man with "baggage" that she would look down upon me for not being more independent and "free." However, marrying Matt was the most wonderful thing I have ever done. It has brought me feelings of fulfillment and joy through a constant partnership with my equal in this world. As it turns out, Ashlee didn't judge me for my decisions upon her finding out. In fact, Ashlee has proven to be one of the biggest supporters in my life's endeavors. I now know that she was surprisingly supportive of my marriage because she was secretly dating Jeff and silently falling in love with him as well. When I heard of the engagement of Ashlee and Jeff I nearly fainted. Ashlee is getting married? I probably wouldn't have believed it if I had heard it from anyone but Jeff himself. Thank goodness she said "Yes" I told Jeff...because our family holiday parties would have been a bit awkward when both Ashlee and Jeff were invited (because Jeff is the life of our parties!). I could not think of a more deserving couple than Ashlee and Jeff for a prize such as this. In fact, they need the best and most thorough documentation that a wedding can have...because I know many people that would not believe that Ashlee Erwin is getting married if they didn't see it with their own eyes!
I deeply love Ashlee and Jeff. I love the way Jeff treats my infant daughter like his own. I love the way Ashlee gives me reasons to go on in life after the recent loss of my Father (my best friend). And I love them together as a couple for sharing their lives with me and the rest of our amazing family, now and forever.
I know, I know, everyone is thinking wow, that Ashlee has a lot of family. But where is Suzanne? First, the fact that Ashlee has a lot of family is the understatement of the year, and secondly, here I am! Yes I am Suzanne, Ashlee’s (much) older and (much) wiser sister and the prospective mother of the hopeful ring bearer and flower girls for the upcoming nuptials! (hint hint). In the fact that I am older and wiser, and having benefit of being happily married myself, I pride myself in recognizing wondrous, true love when I see it. Ashlee has always been the baby sister, but no one ever called her that, unless you wanted pummeled. We have lots of stories of Ashlee; one of particular relevance is the time our young and growing family decided to have a family portrait taken. Ashlee was little, maybe 2 years old, and the over eager photographer thought it would be fun to get in Ashlee’s face with the ‘gitchy gitchy goo’ tactic, well suffice to say that photographer got punched square the nose for his efforts. That picture is proudly displayed at home over the family dining room table, complete with a smiling Ashlee. Now I am sure Ashlee has outgrown the need to punch a photographer – but it shows, that no one tells our Ashlee what to do. That was until…JEFF! As has been stated, to first see Ashlee and Jeff together was a bit surprising, not so much in the aforementioned height difference, but that Ashlee actually brought a guy home to meet her ‘family’. However, being so eager to torment Ashlee and her boyfriend, we were thrilled! Didn’t take long to know we loved Jeff! I mean a super smart man that shared my beloved St Louis Cardinals and an unbelievable movie database brain with my husband and could get Ashlee to refill his glass at dinner…who was this masked man? To know Ashlee and to see her and Jeff together – it just makes the world seem right, like everything will be okay. Her finding Jeff is like finding the last piece of her life’s jigsaw puzzle and seeing the whole world before them. We love you Ashlee & Jeff!
Suzanne, Michael, Mason, Maren & Mabry
I've known Jeff for over four years and witnessed his transformation from the pre-Ashlee Jeff to the man we now all know and love. At the beginning of their courtship, I had never seen a man so determined to win a woman's heart! It was like a love story in a movie that I would actually consider buying, and not just in the $5 Wal-mart bin as Jeff often does! He has grown so much during their time together, and I have honestly never seen him happier.
I've also grown closer with Ashlee, especially during this past year. She has been there for me during some especially difficult situations, providing me with some good advice and a Strongbow. She's a wonderful person who will always be there for her friends and family.
Just to reframe what some other posts have said, I cannot think of a more deserving couple to win this prize! Both individually and together, they make a difference in so many people's lives. Good luck and I love you guys!
Amy
Future sister-in-law
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