Ashley and Alex met one early evening before Christmas, 2016. She was patiently waiting outside of Maysville, their meeting spot in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan. The season’s early dark and a light rain didn’t stop him from noticing her, bundled up in a warm coat, with an even warmer smile as he strode across the street to say “I’m Alex”. The connection was immediate, but they took time and care getting to know each other with true interest, attraction, and the embers of love. They stayed in touch over the holidays, and in the new year they went on a few more dates: brunch, art exhibits, dinners, and walks… By Alex’s birthday in February (Ashley bought him a plant!... yes, it’s still around!) they were inseparable. It’s been that way ever since…

Ashley had a suspicion on a National Parks road trip through the Southwest, but after eight days seeing the beauty and majesty of Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, National Monument, and Antelope Canyon, the question of “the question” moved to the backseat. More specifically, it was in the backpack… Alex had known that the day was near and that this trip was special. One day, the opportunity would present itself. He wasn’t sure when, but was prepared throughout the trip. As a matter of fact, he always had the ring on him… or her rather… in her backpack. She carried that backpack for eight days, and never thought to dig through its compartments. The trip really did save the best for last. As Ashley and Alex hiked their way down into the Grand Canyon, it was clear that this was the place. Peaceful, beautiful and with what seemed the entire canyon to themselves, Alex kindly asked for the backpack to get out some “sunscreen”. Ashley barely noticed as Alex got out the ring and prepared to ask… “Will you be my partner in all adventures the rest of our lives?” “Yes!”