Ashley and Meagan’s story began in September 2018, when they were college students—19 and 20 years old—attending the same school but living in completely different worlds. Both were busy student-athletes, one on the lacrosse field and the other on the softball field, and despite sharing the same campus, their paths never crossed. It wasn’t until a modern-day connection brought them together that their story truly began. Their first date nearly didn’t happen at all. Ashley was famously an hour late after forgetting she had lacrosse practice, while Meagan waited, fully convinced she had been stood up. Just when hope was fading, a text came through—she was on her way. When they finally met at the side door of Gage Hall, Ashley quickly realized her date came in a slightly more fun-sized package than she had imagined, and the two headed off to Lola’s for sandwiches. Meagan immediately showed her personality by nearly losing her wallet in the sofa cushions—a moment Ashley found equal parts hilarious and endearing. From that very first meeting, there was an undeniable sense of ease—an instant comfort that felt as though they had known each other forever. From the very beginning, they couldn’t stay away from one another. Even if it meant stealing five minutes between classes or heading to the library just to see the other while doing homework, they found every excuse to be together. They went on adventures, shared countless dates, and grew close very quickly, drawn to each other in a way that felt effortless and inevitable. Unplanned and entirely in the moment, Meagan asked Ashley to be her girlfriend while standing at a beautiful lookout on the edge of Main Street in New Paltz. Ashley’s response—“Are you serious?”—was all Meagan needed to hear, and she took it as an enthusiastic yes. At the time, Meagan had already come out, while Ashley was still finding the courage to share her truth. In the months that followed, Ashley opened up to friends and family and was met with an overwhelming outpouring of love and support, both for herself and for their relationship. Together, they grew—through laughter, tears, and countless adventures that pulled Meagan out of her shell, pulled Ashley into the library, and brought them even closer. Their lives blended naturally, their friendships intertwined, and their bond deepened with every shared experience. After graduating college side by side, they stepped into their next chapter together. Love eventually led them to lively New Jersey—a place that became home and the perfect setting for a young couple to build a life together. Just ten months after graduation, they had moved into their first apartment together. Living together only confirmed what they already knew: they work beautifully as a team. Even in the everyday moments, they found themselves missing each other throughout the day and counting down the hours until they were back together at home—a feeling that, even now, has never faded. On July 20th, 2024, they chose to bring their story full circle. Meagan led Ashley back to the very same lookout on the edge of Main Street in New Paltz—the place where, six years earlier, an unplanned question had changed both of their lives. Standing where it all began, Meagan asked Ashley to marry her, honoring the moment that first marked the start of their journey together. What began as a simple, spontaneous question years ago had grown into a lifetime promise, surrounded by memories, love, and everything they had built side by side. In that familiar spot, the answer was as clear as ever, and the next chapter of their story officially began. As they celebrate their wedding day on September 18, 2026, it falls exactly eight years to the week since that unforgettable first date. Time has flown, yet every moment has led them here. Getting married marks the first step in the rest of their lives together—a future filled with love, adventure, and everything still to come.