Ashley and Fernando first met long before either of them could imagine standing at the altar together. At just 14 and 15 years old, they crossed paths at a church camp—where their first interaction involved Ashley fiercely defending her fishing hole. Safe to say, first impressions weren’t great, and they both walked away convinced they didn’t like each other. Fate—and God—had other plans. A few years later, during freshman year of high school, they found themselves in the same Human Geography class. Fernando was a known troublemaker, which Ashley secretly found hilarious. One year later, Ashley randomly came across his Snapchat and decided to reach out—only for Fernando to not respond right away. In fact, he waited an entire month, assuming Ashley still had hard feelings from the fishing hole incident. Turns out, she didn’t—and once he finally replied, the conversation never stopped. As the months went on, that friendship grew. Ashley spent time out on Fernando’s land helping tend the cows, where countless laughs and memories were made. One unforgettable moment involved taking the Kubota out “mudding” in the pouring rain—only to get completely stuck. Fernando’s dad had to come rescue them, temporarily placing Ashley in a barrel in the middle of the mud hole before eventually carrying her to safety. It was messy, ridiculous, and perfectly them. They dated throughout high school, shared the same friend group, went to prom together, and graduated side by side. During high school, they also worked at the same restaurant—Fernando as a busser, usually covered in dirt and trying to sneak away from his duties just to catch a glimpse of Ashley while she worked as a waitress. After graduation, they celebrated with an incredible trip to St. Thomas with Ashley’s mom—marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. College took Ashley to Texas State University, turning their relationship long-distance. While Ashley was studying extremely hard, Fernando worked full time throughout her entire college career, quietly saving for their future. Many believed they wouldn’t make it—but with God guiding them, they beat the odds. Through distance, faith, and commitment, their love only grew stronger. A trip to St. John at the end of Ashley’s sophomore year sparked proposal expectations… and for good reason. Fernando had bought a ring but realized it wasn’t the ring, so he returned it, trusting God’s timing to make it right. During Ashley’s senior year of college, Fernando went to Nebraska—working in the freezing cold and saving tirelessly for Ashley’s engagement ring and the life they dreamed of building together. The very day after Ashley graduated college, Fernando proposed—proving that God’s timing is perfect and that love, patience, and faith always align exactly as they’re meant to. In August, they bought their first home, and Fernando is currently pouring his heart into making it perfect for the life they’ll begin together after the wedding. From missed Snapchats and muddy adventures to long nights, hard work, and unwavering commitment, Ashley and Fernando are so grateful to God for guiding them every step of the way. They are thrilled to begin this next chapter—hand in hand, hearts full, and forever thankful for the journey that led them here.