Ashley and Michael Payne Engagement Announcement

Ashley Fenner, daughter of Norm and Robin Fenner of Rapid City, has become engaged to Michael Payne, son of Kim Curtis and James Payne of Rapid City.

Saturday, May 28th 2016

Proposal

Michael and Ashley’s story begins on November 29, 2008 when they were introduced by their friends. They decided after talking everyday, to make their relationship official in April. Michael has always known that Ashley wanted to know nothing about a proposal and has always wanted a surprise.

On November 29, 2014, six years after first meeting, Michael gave Ashley the most amazing surprise of her life. They began their annual drive through the Black Hills on that Saturday, only this time Michael’s sister rode with them. As they drove it was insisted that they take pictures because his mother wanted to “update pictures in her house.” They stopped at multiple places and Ashley thought nothing of it.

They began the drive back home when Michael’s sister asked a question about the Pigtails in the Black Hills. Michael decided to pull the car over and read a big sign with information regarding the Pigtails. He insisted that Ashley get out of the car and take a picture with him at a big, beautiful rock. Michael’s sister began taking pictures and announced that “her camera was not working.”

Ashley turned around to look at his sister and as she returned to look at Michael he was down on one knee with a ring box. Ashley was so shocked and excited that she doesn’t remember his exact words, only the happiest of tears and love shared between the two. Because of Michael’s sister attending, the couple now has wonderful pictures to always look back on and remember their most special day thus far.

How They Met

The bride and groom are both originally from Rapid City. They were introduced by their Matron of Honor and Best Man during Thanksgiving break in 2008. Michael completed his Bachelors degree in 2011, and works for the Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls. Ashley completed her Masters degree in 2015, and is a Middle School Special Education teacher. Although they now call Sioux Falls home, they are very excited to be planning their Rapid City wedding, and celebrate where it all began!!