We’re gettin' hitched Y'all

Once upon a Queeroake night, Ashley drunkenly walked up to Shakora and said, "Oh, you're cute! Do I know you?!" Shakora was like "Thank you, but no. I'm Kora." as she looked over to both her cousin and her date, puzzled. Then Shakora's date interrupted and introduced herself with intent to Ashley. "I'M ASHLEY," she stated. Then, with pure joy, "OMG, I am Ashley too!" Many more Queeroake nights later, Ashley worked up the nerve to ask Kora on a date (after Facebook stalking her, of course)

Ashley is the most difficult person to surprise. Kora wanted a genuine experience, so she had to make sure no one knew. It was the only way to make sure Ashley wouldn't have a clue. Plus, Kora just loved Ashley's genuine consistent joy. The only people who knew was a week before -- their photographer friends Zak and Kai -- in order to plan taking photos. Ashley only thought it was a regular Sunday, going to meet up with friends Zak and Kai to see a movie. They took a walk down to the Baltimore Inner Harbor. They approached the bridge. That's where new chapter begins. On the middle of the bridge: Kora tried to stick to what she rehearsed in the bathroom mirror. But she could only get out, "Ashley, I love you and you're beautiful," with a stammer. Ashley replied, "Yeah, right, but this would have been a good spot." Kora said, "This IS the spot." She grabbed Ashley's hand so she would stop moving. Zak and Kai snapped continuous photos as Kora settled down on one knee and said, "You're the love I always wanted and the home I never had. Ashley Nicole McCullough-Greenfield -- will you marry me?" In the way Ashley gleefully accepted the ring, Zak said, "I guess that's a yes?" Ashley quickly responded "OH, Yes Yes!" We all laughed and then headed to go get drinks and tacos. No movie was ever seen on this night.

Ash and Shakora got engaged in December 2018, and after looking at the coffers, quickly decided they would get married in 2020. Ashley just accepted a new job, back in the Bay Area, so we hosted a duo engagement and bon voyage party in January 2019, to celebrate and say good bye to our closest friends and family. Ash and Kora were so high on love & the new adventure that awaited them, but also nervous about the future. After all, Kora was leaving her home of 20+ years and Ash, her home of 7 years. So they did a thing… before the big move to California they went to the baltimore City Courthouse and had a civil ceremony before the eyes of a couple of their besties. Their parents and siblings were furious. They had no idea that in a year the world would shut down and they would be on a course to having their dream wedding 3 years later. Thanks for being on the ride with us. See you in California!