We met in October of 2019 at a wedding in Long Island, New York. At the time John was finishing up with college and Ashley was well into her nursing career. We were introduced to each other by Ashley’s sister, Kelly (Thanks Kelly!). Although we both were not looking for a relationship that day, they felt an instant connection between each other. After talking for a while at the wedding Ashley decided to ask John out on a date. We went on a date at a Irish restaurant a few blocks away from where we would eventually live together on Austin Street. We spent the date talking about our past, current interest, and what we want for the future. We even got into a small argument over who should pay the bill. Ashley felt since she asked John out she should pay, but John claimed if Ashley paid she wouldn’t agree to a second date. After a few dates Ashley asked John to attend her sister Kelly’s wedding at the The Milleridge Inn, where they got to share their first dance as a couple. The next day John asked Ashley to be his girlfriend. When COVID hit, Ashley went to quarantine at her parents’ house in Long Beach where John would come visit on Ashley’s days off. While in Long Beach our dates became picnics on the beach, games of beer pong, random science experiments, and finding meals to cook together. But mostly it was us making each other laugh and enjoying our time together. We moved in together in November 2020 and continue to make each other laugh and find fun in everything we do together. On April 22nd, 2023, John and Ashley went to the Planting Fields Arboretum in Long Island. With the backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom, John got down on one knee and asked Ashley to spend the rest of her life with him. She said “Yes” (Whew!). So, now we are having our first dance as husband and wife where we had our first dance as a couple. We can’t wait to celebrate this special day with everyone!