How we met

Tyler and Aimee first laid eyes on each other on the front lawn of the Bemidji fire station. It was early in the cross country running season and the team was doing their daily warmup. The coach introduced 15-year-old Aimee, a shy newcomer who had relocated to Bemidji after flood waters ravaged her family's home. Tyler was a popular high school senior who paid no attention to Aimee this particular day. With his bleach-blonde hair, baggy shorts and earring, he was busy goofing off with his punk friends, which left Aimee totally unimpressed.

Fast forward to the end of the school year. Tyler had just graduated and Aimee was adjusting to the recent move. It was a hot summer night (around June 28, 1998) and Aimee was hanging out with a friend who suggested they stop by the Edgewater Motel to visit her sister and some friends. Soon after they arrived, so did Tyler and one of his friends. The group of four talked for hours, then took a paddle boat ride on Lake Bemidji. Aimee proceeded to light up a cigarette, hoping to impress the boys, although Tyler was the least bit amused when Aimee started to cough. (Aimee has since quit smoking)

The next day, to the dismay of Aimee's parents, Tyler picked up her and her friend for a golf date in his 1984 red Ford Escort, which could be heard approaching from a mile away. The car dripped oil on the driveway, which is a big no-no with Aimee's Dad. During the golf game, it was unclear to Aimee if Tyler was interested in her or her friend.

A few days later, Tyler's band Sofakingdom played a battle of the bands show at the waterfront. When Aimee showed up wearing gym shorts and a ponytail, it became very clear to her that she didn't quite fit in. But, after watching the band play, Aimee was intrigued. She rushed out to buy a black studded belt. Then, Tyler headed out of town to the Winnipeg Folk Festival and brought back Aimee a friendship bracelet. From that day, it was official. Tyler and Aimee became the unlikely couple who helped merge a group of teenage punks and preps who, almost 10 years later, are still friends. Aimee's parents have since approved.

(High school graduation photos. I guess we went to the same photographer.)