During their sophomore year at Tufts University, Ashley and Turner's friend groups were introduced in a fateful event since termed "The Merger." Ashley and Turner quickly bonded over their mutual love of "Nathan for You," bourbon, raw cookie dough, and Ke$ha, as well as a shared disdain for sandwiches. On their unofficial first date to the Burlington Mall, they adopted a fish. Their co-parenting relationship soon became romantic, and after several dates they officially became a couple in November.

After several years of apartment-hopping with various roommates, Turner and Ashley decided to take the next step and move in together to an apartment in Somerville. There, Ashley's dog Lucy finally grew to know Turner as her "real dad," and the couple's board game collection grew to dangerously nerdy proportions.

On a Friday evening in July, Turner took Ashley on a "mystery date." They walked into Davis Square and re-created their first official date from nearly six years prior, complete with dinner at Posto and scratch-off tickets from 7-Eleven. On the walk home, Turner got down on one knee and asked Ashley to marry him. Ashley was so excited that she forgot to say yes, instead demanding "Are you serious?!" repeatedly until Turner reminded her that he needed an answer. When they arrived home, their wonderful family and friends were ready to surprise them with an engagement party. They set off to celebrate with Turner's mom and stepdad in London the next day!