It all began in July of 2020 — a time when the world was on pause, but something amazing was just about to begin. We were both stuck at home, not really dating, just trying to make the best of a strange year. One day, Ashley came across Alex’s Instagram. We had a few mutual friends, and something about his profile stood out — especially a recent photo of him with his dad, Jeff. In the caption, Alex shared how grateful he was to spend quality time with his dad, even in uncertain times. His words, and the warmth behind them, really stuck with Ashley. She liked a few of his photos (strategically, of course), hoping he might notice. And he did. A new follower with a few new likes was enough reason to send a message — exactly what Ashley had hoped for. It was Ashley’s birthday week, and she had plans to head to the mountains with friends, so there was only one day she was free to meet. That day happened to be the same day Alex already had plans with his friends — but something told him this was important. His friends (with a little hesitation) agreed to reschedule, trusting she was someone special. A few days later, we met up at a local park and walked to get ice cream — a must for Alex, who loves ice cream. He ordered two scoops, naturally, but we were talking and laughing so much that his second scoop started melting all over his hand. Embarrassed, he asked if we could head back to his apartment so he could clean up. Ashley, whose sandals were absolutely not meant for long walks, was more than happy to go and rest her feet. We ended up sitting on his patio for hours, talking until the sun went down. And from that moment on, we never stopped seeing each other. About a month later, Ashley’s beloved cat passed away. She was heartbroken — but that was when she knew she had found someone truly special. On his lunch break, Alex drove over to her house just to check on her and make sure she wasn’t alone. When she was ready to adopt another cat, Alex came with her — and instantly fell in love with a 6-month-old tuxedo kitten who is now our sweet, sassy 5-year-old cat. We moved in together in September of 2022, and shortly after, added a puppy to the family — who’s now a goofy, lovable 3-year-old dog. Together, we’ve built a fun, loving home filled with laughter, furry cuddles, and spontaneous ice cream runs. And then came the proposal… Alex planned the perfect winter date up in the mountains — a snowshoeing adventure followed by a trip to the hot springs, two of our favorite things to do together. After we finished snowshoeing, Alex suddenly turned to Ashley and asked, “Do you trust me?” (Which, of course, made her immediately suspicious.) When she said yes (but also, why?), he told her we weren’t actually going to the hot springs — and that he had packed a different outfit for her, knowing she’d absolutely stress if she didn’t have the right thing to wear. He pulled into a snowy parking lot, where Ashley changed quickly, still totally unaware of what was coming. We walked into a cozy little cabin with hot chocolate, blankets, and a view of the snowy mountains — and waited for a Clydesdale horse to arrive and take us up the mountain in a carriage. Bundled up and smiling, we rode through the snow until we reached the top. Alex stepped out, got down on one knee, and asked Ashley to marry him. She (of course) said yes. On the drive home, we called all our friends and family to share the big news. Little did Ashley know, the surprises weren’t over — that night, Alex took her to what she thought was a quiet dinner… but waiting inside were her sister and best friends, ready to celebrate the happiest moment of our lives (so far!). We can’t wait to start this next chapter as husband and wife — surrounded by our favorite people, our fur babies, and a love that feels like home.