Like all great modern love stories, ours began with a dating app and a very questionable swipe decision. On March 20, 2022, Chris (yes, the groom) took one look at Ashley (yes, the bride) and… swiped left. Not because he wasn’t interested, but because he thought he wasn’t good enough for her. With her effortless beauty, confidence, and top-tier sneaker game, Chris assumed she wouldn’t go for a guy like him who wasn't very interested in sneakers. But here’s where God and Hinge’s divine algorithm stepped in. Unlike other apps, Hinge lets one person swipe right even if the other swipes left, basically giving them a second chance to get their life together. And Chris took it as exactly that a sign from above. He swiped right, and from that moment, everything changed. From the second they matched, they talked all day long—and the next day, they picked up right where they left off. By the third morning, Chris woke up and, with zero hesitation, told Ashley: "I want to court you. I don’t care about distance. We’re making this work.” Crazy? Maybe. But when God is in the center, you don’t question the plan you trust it. From the beginning, their connection was undeniable. Ashley fell in love with Chris’s humor, his radiant smile, his deep love for family, and most importantly, his faith in God. She admired how, no matter what life threw at him, he placed everything in God’s hands. His strength, his heart, and his ability to always make her laugh even on her worst days made it impossible not to love him. And to this day, she swears he’s one of the funniest people that she knows (though she thinks she's just as funny and he thinks differently). Chris, on the other hand, was completely smitten with Ashley’s calm yet strong spirit. She’s nurturing, can cook, and most importantly is a woman of God. Around her, he felt completely safe, loved, and understood. He didn’t have to put on a front, he didn’t have to prove himself he could just be Chris. And instead of judging him, she met him with love, laughter, and a little bit of sass. If you’ve ever had a conversation with Chris, you already know Ashley’s name is bound to come up every single time (y’all know this is NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH). It didn’t take long for Chris to realize that Ashley made him a better man emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually. So, with the help of friends and family from both sides, Chris pulled off the ultimate surprise proposal on September 22, 2023. When Ashley walked in and saw family and friends and her soon to be husband Chris. She was completely surprised yet impressed and so of course, just had to say YES!!! On August 22, 2024, they officially became husband and wife in a beautiful courthouse ceremony. However, they always knew that they'd be planning for a wedding in the near future. So, on August 22, 2025, we’ll be celebrating The Hinge Wedding—proof that one swipe, God’s perfect timing, and a whole lot of love can change your life forever. Get ready, because this love story is just getting started!