It all began late in 2014 when Ashley caught Bobby’s eye outside the high school weight room. Bobby, a senior at the time and unable to play basketball due to injuries, couldn’t help but notice the stunning and determined sophomore who he had reason to believe was in the same position. It turns out Bobby's presumptions were wrong; Ashley was not injured, nor would her elementary-level hand-eye coordination have been able to compete at any skill level of basketball (she made up for this by excelling in track). In the end, the silver lining was that this unique set of unfortunate circumstances enabled an introduction that would lead to where we are today - a lifetime of love and commitment. Some would call it fate! Informal talking in the winter gradually picked up, and despite Bobby failing to ask Ashley to prom in the spring, their relationship eventually developed into formally dating by July. Many tears were shed by Ashley that fall when Bobby took off for the University of St. Thomas, but two short years later, they were reunited when Ashley found herself on the same path to UST. The interim was filled with each advancing their own goals while also making room for quality time together. Ashley also got an occasional glimpse into college life (but not too much, Tim and Renee) and did ultimately get payback on Bobby for not asking her to prom by inviting (*forcing*) him to come back for hers. Ashley was eager to finally become a Tommie with Bobby, and she started college in the most perfect way as their first class of the semester together was astronomy; Ashley’s dad would joke about the lovestruck couple studying the stars together. Ashley & Bobby appreciated their age gap as they could both make friends freshman year as individuals, but nothing would beat the two years of overlap and memories made together at Tiffany’s sports bar, O’Gara’s, 2083 Marshall Ave and late-night pizza orders. Post-college was also filled with much fun, traveling to new places and exploring their surroundings in the 50th & France neighborhood.

On a crisp, sunny Friday afternoon in October, after 7 years of dating, Bobby got down on a knee to ask Ashley to be his forever. The week leading up to this moment was filled with ploys by Bobby to convince Ashley that anything but a proposal was in the works. This was deeply disappointing and troubling for Ashley, who felt years overdue for an engagement. However, a week of misleading her was well worth it to preserve and sell the surprise! Turning back to Friday, among the coverups Bobby used was a plan to “fake” ring shop, which gave family an opening to enter the apartment complex to set up for a surprise in the amenity space. Upon returning from “ring shopping”, once everyone was contained to the surprise room, Bobby and Ashley made a pitstop at the apartment for Bobby’s famous old-fashioneds to bring up on a planned trip to the rooftop. Cover was almost blown when Bobby’s uncontrollable nervous shaking resulted in Ashley’s drink receiving several too many dashes of orange bitters. Ashley followed Bobby to the rooftop where he set the tone by complimenting the beautiful fall colors, to which Ashley replied, “it’s starting to get kind of gray, we’re past peak season”. Despite carrying a ring that he’d purchased not even 24 hours prior, Bobby hadn’t moved quick enough to capture the pinnacle of fall - but it felt close enough! After sharing some heartfelt words, Bobby stated his proposal and got down on one knee. Ashley said YES to forever and was shaking from shock and excitement. The surprise didn’t stop there as Bobby led Ashley to the amenity room where families and friends of both sides were eagerly waiting to surprise and celebrate with the newly engaged couple for the rest of the night.