Ashley and Stephen met through a little known website called Coffee Meets Bagel. Ashley had recently moved to Westfield, MA during the time Stephen was living in Enfield, CT. Despite our reservations about meeting in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we both took the leap (wearing masks of course). Our first date was at Springfield's Coldstone Creamery where we enjoyed ice cream and adventured in the nearby Forest Park.

Visiting Francis Bird Park in Walpole, MA, Ashley and Stephen brought a loaf bread to feed the local ducks. While feeding the hungry ducks, word spread and more ducks came to steal the food for themselves. The ducks then chased Ashley and Stephen to get the rest of the bread. We escaped to another section of the park. Ashley was looking at the pond when Stephen got down on one knee and presented an engagement ring. When Ashley turned around and saw Stephen kneeling with the ring in hand, she was surprised. Although the duck feeding did not go as planned, Ashley happily said "Yes."