We met the summer before Ashlee left for college. She wasn't looking for anything that might tie her down to her hometown—especially not a fisherman from Wanchese. After a few messages back and forth, Ashlee agreed to let Trey take her to the fair for their first date. The evening got off to an interesting start when Trey's phone plummeted out of his pocket on the very first ride. After the date, he headed straight to Walmart to buy a new phone, hoping he hadn't lost Ashlee's number along with the old one. Luckily, he hadn't. The next day, after getting back from a fishing trip (back in the pre-Starlink days), Trey sent Ashlee a text asking when their second date would be. We spent almost every day that summer together. What started as a summer fling soon became something much more. Over the last eight years, we've built a life together and stood by each other's side through every milestone—from college graduations and career changes to welcoming all of our beloved fur babies into the family. Through every adventure, challenge, and celebration, we've continued choosing each other, and we can't wait to see what comes next.

Thanksgiving 2025 started as a day spent celebrating with family, but it ended with a surprise. Trey had planned to propose during a family photo at sunset on the 17th green at Sea Scape, but after Ashlee convinced everyone to stay and play Bucket Golf with her nephews, those plans quickly fell apart. Once the game was over and everyone headed inside, Trey saw his chance. As Ashlee walked back toward the house, she noticed Trey peeking out from under the carport and thought, “What a weirdo.” A few seconds later, he stepped out again—this time down on one knee. With just the two of us there, Trey asked Ashlee to marry him, and she said yes. The rest of the weekend was spent celebrating with family and friends, making Thanksgiving 2025 a holiday we'll never forget.