*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"!

Photos