Ashlee came home from a winter weekend trip and wanted to spend the night relaxing at home alone. Ashlee's great friend (and bridesmaid!), Kyle, called her up and said "We're going to a party! Get off the couch, take a shower, and let's go!". Kyle and Ashlee then headed to the infamous Ray Van Cleve's house in Pittsburgh for a Steelers party. Ashlee had never met Ray (Raj's great friend and groomsman!) before and was impressed by his spread of food (especially the wings!). As Ashlee loaded her plate with wings, a handsome young gentleman, Raj, approached her and said a friendly "hi". As the two began chatting, Ashlee explained that she had just returned from tubing at Seven Springs. Raj then exclaimed: "Tubing in the winter?!". Ashlee explained to this Southern boy that one can, indeed, tube in the winter and not just on a river. Raj stuck in Ashlee's mind after that night and their friends, Kyle and Ray planned a group happy hour for the following week. It was on that night that sparks flew, and Ashlee and Raj talked for hours on end. Ashlee was heading to the Women's March in DC early the next morning and needed her beauty sleep. Raj was bold, however, and convinced Ashlee to go to a concert at midnight to see his friend, (and groomsman!) Josh, play in a jazz band. The conversation continued between Ashlee and Raj over the coming weeks. Ashlee then mustered the courage (with the help of Zoe and Mike-the wedding officiant!) to ask Raj for a drink after seeing a movie with friends. From that day on, Ashlee and Raj have been on a non-stop adventure together!

November 10, 2018 was the perfect fall day in NYC. Ashlee was visiting Raj from Pittsburgh and they planned to have a relaxed weekend decorating their new apartment. On that morning, Ashlee refused to get out of her sweatpants. Raj then asked Ashlee to go for a walk in Central Park. Ashlee finally showered and the pair headed out of the house. Ashlee convinced Raj to grab coffee from one of her new favorite coffee shops first. They headed to Central Park and Ashlee was feeling extra sappy that day. She continuously commented on the "crisp air", "beautiful trees", and how lucky they were to live in "the most beautiful city in the world". Ashlee and Raj meandered through Central Park and stopped at the famous rocks looking out over the city. They witnessed a couple get engaged and Ashlee said: "Wow! That guy is good! Imagine getting engaged in Central Park!". Raj then told Ashlee he wanted to show her one of his favorite spots, "Gapstow Bridge," in the park. In typical Ashlee fashion, she walked quickly through the park and ahead of Raj. All of a sudden, Ashlee noticed Raj wasn't behind her anymore and he was speaking to a tourist. Raj then took Ashlee by the hand and led her to a beautiful spot facing the bridge. This is where Raj proposed and Ashlee was shocked and speechless. When Ashlee and Raj finally looked around them, they were surrounded by passersby and tourists in the park. A gentleman from England took a video of the proposal and a couple from India took professional pictures on their camera. It was an incredible moment between Raj, Ashlee, and strangers from all over the world and truly exemplified the diversity New York City attracts. It could not have been a better day!