Clear Cut Couples: Ashley and Drayden
For Ashley and Drayden, it all started in Denver, Colorado when Drayden joined the company Ashley worked at. Their roles were very closely intertwined, so naturally they were talking all the time. The spark grew from co-workers to friends to something much deeper. When the time was right, they decided to take a leap and the rest is history!
Their first date was actually an entire weekend. They booked an Airbnb together in a cabin in the mountains in Colorado Springs. It was so remote, that they literally spent the whole weekend just getting to know each other. They cooked, laughed, watched movies, explored, and fell in love. In fact, Ashley's engagement ring has a date from that weekend engraved on it, as the day Drayden knew he wanted to marry Ashley.
They have been together for 2 years since and have shared countless incredible memories! In just a very short amount of time, they have lived in Denver, Seattle and now Charlotte. Moving cross country (driving 14 hours straight in a fully packed Jeep) is quite an experience - but was so much fun! Exploring new places and building a home where their hearts are has been such an incredible highlight. On top of moving, they both love to travel, so taking trips together has also been a highlight. However, most of all, they really cherish their date nights, connecting over great food and sweet treats!
Drayden surprised Ashley with a trip away to Aruba for her birthday. On September 6th (the day before Ashley's birthday), Drayden planned a whole day of adventures. It started off by snorkeling with sea turtles in Tres Trapi beach, where their guide told them that the baby sea turtles they were seeing were hatching on Eagle Beach (where they were staying). Afterwards, they went out to breakfast, did a beach day at Baby Beach and got lunch in San Nicolas where Drayden's mom is from. After their beach day, they went back to the hotel to get ready for the 'dinner reservation at 6'. As they were walking on the beach to dinner, Drayden said "I think I see some sea turtles hatching up there", and gullible as ever, Ashley said "Where?" .... silence. "Where?"... and in that moment Ashley realized Drayden was no longer next to her. She turned around and Drayden was down on one knee. It was the most gorgeous night, sunset, soft white sand and the bluest water.
It was everything Ashley ever dreamed of, and it was happening with the man of her dreams. Then, to top it all off, Drayden pulls out a ring from The Clear Cut - who Ashley has been dreaming of having an engagement ring from since she found the company in 2019. The ring was better than anything she could have ever dreamed of! Afterwards, they had a private beach dinner and their hotel room was decorated with rose petals and champagne. It was the most perfect proposal and the most perfect day!
The entire trip itself was a surprise for Ashley! Ashley had loosely mentioned the kind of ring she would like one day and this was not out of character, as she loves diamonds and weddings. Drayden designed the whole ring without Ashley knowing, putting his own personal touches on it, and it could not have been more perfect! Ashley was literally speechless when she saw it, and although it's been a month now, still can't put into words how stunned she is by its beauty. She cannot believe it’s hers or that she is lucky enough to get to wear it the rest of her life!
They are planning a destination wedding in Mexico! The date is not set yet, but they are actively looking at venues and talking with wedding planners. They can't wait to celebrate another big life moment on the beach together!
Photos by: @arubaphotographer