It all started in 2016 at a local pizzeria, where Ashley worked as a hostess. I found every excuse to stop by—whether it was for a quick slice of pizza or a soda—just so I could say hi to her. After a while, I finally worked up the courage to ask her on a date, and we went bowling at the Rockville Centre Bowling Alley for our first night out together. From there, things just fell into place. We went on more dates, and by New Year’s Eve of 2017, I introduced Ashley to my family. Not long after, we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. That spring, Ashley cheered me on at my lacrosse games, and we went to junior prom together. We made the most of our senior year—celebrating milestones, attending prom, and finally graduating high school before heading off to college. We both chose Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry—Ashley pursuing a degree in behavioral science and me studying finance in the business honors program. Our relationship continued to grow as we made countless memories together. Even when the pandemic hit and sent us home, we found ways to stay connected, spending hours on FaceTime and phone calls until we could be together again. When life returned to normal, we moved into an apartment in Hastings-on-Hudson for our senior year at Mercy. Living together was an amazing experience, and we never looked back. Now, as college graduates navigating our careers, we’re building our future together from our apartment in Franklin Square. In November 2024, I planned the perfect proposal. Knowing how much Ashley loves holiday traditions, I took her to see The Nutcracker Ballet—one of her favorite seasonal events. After the show, in front of the glowing fountain at Lincoln Center, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Now, we’re counting down the days until we say “I do,” and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of our closest family and friends!