Ashley and Justin first met in their art education class at VCU. During this semester, Ashley found out Justin worked at a local running store so naturally, she dragged her brother along to "shop for shoes" even though her sport was art. Life led the two to explore different pursuits: Justin to a sculpture school in Florence, Italy, a job at a studio in Brooklyn, and starting his business - The Fountainhead Gipsoteca; Ashley to study elementary education at JMU, teach for 5 years, and renovate her first home. Many years later, Ashley came across Justin's dating profile and reached out. Shortly after messaging back-and-forth, Justin invited Ashley on a walk around Belle Isle and a tour of his studio. From that point onward, their connection grew through many more walks around Belle Isle, studio visits, cheering on Justin at his hockey games, time spent with each other's family and friends, traveling adventures, moving in together, and lots of love notes. On 12.22.2026, in the midst of a packed schedule filled with festive activities and events, Justin asked Ashley to come to his studio to sit for portrait before the two were to go to his hockey game. Surrounded by casts and candles, Justin knelt on his knee in the middle of his studio and asked Ashley to be his wife. Through her giddy surprise, Ashley said yes! Soon after the surprising proposal, Ashley cheered on her fiancé for the first time. As the defender of the net, goalie Justin and his team won their game that evening. It was a victorious night—one we’ll always treasure, among so many special memories and many more ahead.