The Photo Shoot

      We found a photographer in Cedar City that is just beginning his career as a photographer.  He loves photography, his camera, and editing film.  He came over to show me his work and I was sold.  Jordan and I were quite the timid models, but the photographer brought his wife and his two very cute girls with us to direct us a little bit.

      The photos turned out so well and we were a little disappointed that only one photo would make it in the invitations, so I decided to share some of our favorites with you.

      Enjoy!! :)

We're Engaged!!

     

       When I announce that I'm engaged, I always get asked 2 things:  "How did he propose?" and "Let me see the ring!"

       Well we pretty much already had a date booked at the temple and the reception hall and had announced to our families that we were engaged before the actual proposal occurred.  I guess we just wanted to shake things up a bit. :)

       Jordan and I had already gone shopping for rings in Michigan, so I was just playing the guessing game and wondering when it would be.  In August, Jordan and I met up in Utah for a week.  We were supposed to head up to Provo for a couple of days for Jordan's friend's wedding and I was sure that it was going to happen then.

       But of course, our relationship has never been traditional and our plans were unexpectedly changed.  Jordan's flight to Utah on Tuesday night was delayed...and then it was delayed...delayed...and then cancelled about 4 hours later.  Not only did Jordan have to wait but he was also SOAKED from head to feet from a huge rainstorm outside of the airport.  So after sitting on the plane with soggy drawers and soggy shoes for over an hour, it was finally announced that the flight would be cancelled.

      Twenty four hours later and another delayed flight later, he arrived safely (and much drier) in St. George.  The next morning he wanted me to take him to my favorite spot in Cedar City.  We walked to the top of a hill overlooking the valley of Cedar City.  The sun hadn't quite risen above the mountains yet.  It was a little windy, cool, and beautiful.

      After talking for a bit at the top, Jordan pulled me close and started to tell me how excited he was that he would be together with his best friend forever.  He said that he felt extremely blessed and that he knew that Heavenly Father had a hand in us ending up together.  He said, "And going along with that..." as he knelt down, took my hand, and pulled out the ring from his pocket.  "Ashlee, will you marry me?"

      It was perfect.  And beautiful.  I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.    

In the beginning...

       Welcome family and friends!!  Jordan and I are so excited to share our story with you.  We would love to tell you how we overcame the odds set against us and were able to get to this point in our relationship.  How did we get to this:

       That's a great question!  Even though we were in the same apartment complex for a year, Jordan didn't realize how great I was until I graduated and moved 3 states away.  He finally came to his senses and asked me out on a visit up to Utah nearly 10 months later!  But he made up for it by taking me on the very best first date I have ever been on.  (Jordan may not admit it, but he is a big softy inside. Yep folks-the secret's out!)

       For our first date, we didn't just go out to lunch.  We went to IKEA for lunch!!  Then we rode the ferris wheel at Scheel's.  

       On the very top of that ferris wheel I realized there was much more to Jordan Schneider than I had ever expected.  

       Well, 2 visits to Utah and 5 dates later, we were separated once again by an even further distance when Jordan moved back home to Michigan.  Instead of just 3 states away, he was almost a whole entire country away!!!

       I just couldn't decide if I wanted to pursue a long distance relationship.  While I was struggling with this decision, these happened to come in the mail:

       ....and that pretty much made my decision for me. 

       I just had to fix that huge separation problem by inviting him to stay in California for a week.  We had a very busy and fun week exploring the great sites that California has to offer.  Jordan received a great tan at the beach of Lobster red and we ate at the famous Duke's restaurant along the Malibu beach. 

       After waiting for days for Jordan to hold my hand, it finally happened during Jordan's favorite film, Top Gun (Nice move Jordan!)

       Then the kiss that everyone was waiting for.  It couldn't have been any more perfect.  Where was it?

It was at Golf n' Stuff!!! On hole 4. 

       Two weeks later I found myself in Michigan, spending the week with his beautiful family.  It was this moment right here in this picture that I realized I was in love with this man.

        I left my heart in Michigan and couldn't wait until I saw him again.  That's right ladies, he's a stud!

       So we did the only thing we could do living so far away from each other; we talked for hours on the phone and did Facetime (which our phone bills reflected very nicely).  Jordan moved a little closer (but not much) to Dallas, TX to start his new job at GM.

       After our visit in Michigan we each did our own soul searching.  We each had very personal answers to our prayers that confirmed our feelings for each other and our desires for the direction we should take.  

       We announced our decision to get married to our parents, which was a little of a surprise on their part and the wedding planning began.  

       Now we are in the middle of a long list of to do's: the rings, the venue, the food, the cake, the music, the clothing, the colors, the dress....it is a little overwhelming to say the least.  

       But everyday I wake up and realize that I am getting married here:

....to this man.....

....and I can't help but smile.