*Flashback in Time*

Long before I met Brendan officially, we both attended UIW. Unbeknownst to us we had several classes together: Economics, business statistics and international marketing. Brendan hung out at the back of the class, and I always sat upfront, usually in the front row. We never had a class project together and I think we both tried to blend in. But there was this one day I noticed him while I was waiting for class, and I totally thought he was the most handsome guy on campus, but nothing ever came of that!

SO how did we meet?

We met in an untraditional setting... on Tinder. (I know *gasp* scandalous) However, Brendan presented himself as the most genuine and kind person I had ever met and has kept true to this even now <3. We started off as friends, and we made a habit of going out for dinner, or to our favorite pub- Waxy O Connor's to have a drink. Over those dinners and nights out that we got to know each other, It became much more difficult for us to be just friends. So of course, after a few drinks and some liquid courage we both confessed our feelings for each other, and the rest is history!

One of my favorite memories I had early on came about on one particular day when I had rushed to hang out with Brendan and accidentally forgot to fuel up my car on the way. Something Brendan would come to find out is a very common occurrence. I figured I would get gas later that day on my way home. But of course, when I went to turn on my car it didn't start, we both took turns starting the engine and miraculously, it started! I knew I probably wouldn't make it far, so Brendan decided to walk alongside my car to ensure I made it to the gas station. In that moment I thought to myself "I think he could be my husband", but in typical Ashley fashion, I swatted that thought away because that idea seemed too good to be true. Quickly I realized this man would be more than "just a friend" and someday my future husband.

It was no surprise we were both head over heels for each other. Shortly after that we had Emilia, and who would've thought that being parents would help us strengthen our bond even more!

We have continued to grow together over these past 3 years, and I can wholeheartedly say that Brendan is my best friend, the sweetest father to our daughter, a hard worker, intelligent, a Creative Dungeon Master for his weekly TTRPG Nights, and an absolute gem of a man. I can't wait to stand before our friends and family and say, "I DO"!

Let me take you all on a little stroll back to the beginning of what started this journey we've found ourselves on. Twas, a cold and quiet night, when all was right, that a younger (less annoying) Brendan was cozied up in his bed, when a notification rang true. "What could it be", the young Brendan thought to himself. And there it was, the notification that would send shockwaves through the space-time continuum, intertwining our paths for all eternity. Yes, I am referring to that very moment, where Ashley and I first exchanged glances. How did this happen you may ask? Well, it's simple. We matched on tinder ;).

From there on, we spent every single week together, under the title of "just friends", which let's be honest, given how gorgeous and fun-loving Ashley is, falling in love with her was destined to happen. She would often joke before we were about to hangout, or in text, "try not to fall in love with me ;)". Jokes on her though, I already had at that point. This went on for some time, until one fateful night when we both got, for lack of a better term, absolutely wasted, and we finally confessed our true feelings for each other!

From there our relationship continued to grow deeper and deeper, and wouldn't you know it, before long we were openly confessing our love for each other to the world! Nothing on heaven or earth could ever keep me away from her, and our relationship only deepened even further as we quickly began to find ourselves becoming parents to, the one, the only, yes you know her, yes, you've heard her yell at us with a scream that is sure to register on the Richter Scale, our little angel Emilia.

Growing as a couple, growing as parents, and advancing further into our lives together, only helped us to truly see how meant to be we were. And on May 6th, 2023, the one-year anniversary of us buying our first home, I asked Ashley to marry me. Luckily, she said yes because let's be real here, I just lucky enough to even get to be in her presence most days. So, from there we continued to plan our wedding, watch Emilia grow, and grow deeper and deeper in love with each other.

So, that brings us to today. Ashley, I love you more than anything that has ever been or will ever be. From our nights bonding over ramen, sipping Guiness at our favorite pub, reading our daughter a bed-time story, and just holding each other close on those rainy days. You are and will forever continue to be the love of my life. You already know that "I do", but with less than two months until the wedding as I'm writing this, I cannot wait to say those words on our wedding day, and I will continue to choose you every day of our lives, and every day after. I love you Ashley, and I truly cannot wait to make a million more memories with you, my love!