We're getting married!

We met as you do these days - online! Max was smitten by Ashley's dating profile, then quickly found her on Instagram to message directly. We connected over our shared love of SW Florida, dogs, and action films! We lived within 5 miles of each other, so getting together to hang out was easy. At the beginning, Max often found reasons why he needed to swing by "for 5 minutes" to drop something off or "just to say hi".

On September 1 this year, Ashley and I headed to the Cayman Islands for 9 days of fun and relaxation. The first morning of the trip, I suggested that we grab some coffee and head to the beach to enjoy the calm and quiet of the morning. I had THE ring safely zipped up in a pocket of my swim shorts and was very nervous that she would suspect what was going on. I tried to act "normal" as we made our way to the beach. It was already warm out and the ocean was famously blue and clear. We strolled for a few minutes in the sand, watching a couple of locals play with their dogs in the water, then found a stopping point with with seating to enjoy the first coffee. When Ashley turned to sit down, I carefully retrieved the ring from my pocket and sank to one knee. I was bursting with so many emotions, feelings and loving affirmations that I planned to share with her, but all I could manage at the moment was, "Ashley, I love you - will you marry me?". Her expression was of complete surprise and shock; after a processing what I was asking, a huge smile spread across her face and she quickly said YES! We enjoyed our first day as an engaged couple focused on each other and soaking it all in. I had already planned out the rest of the day. We had a private cabana reserved so that we could relax together, enjoy our first beach day and make phone calls to our families and friends to share our big news. Later that evening, dressed for dinner, we took in a gorgeous sunset around the resort. The last surprise awaited Ashley as I made up an excuse to return to our room. We were met at our door by the concierge and a waiter, with celebratory glasses of champagne (and sparkling cider for Ashley!). The room had been transformed for a romantic, private dinner. The decorations included a pathway of rose petals and candle-lit lanterns leading out to our oceanfront balcony that was set up for our private dinner! What a way to end the night!