Ashley and Brendan actually matched on Tinder three years before they ever messaged. Ashley decided to get back on the app after another dating hiatus and update pictures of herself. Brendan liked one of her photos and after Ashley messaged him, they texted for a few weeks. They finally had a sushi date planned but Brendan had forgotten about a wedding he was supposed to go to and cancelled the date. Ashley practically wrote him off, as she had had many first date disasters and she didn't want to keep putting herself out there. Not to mention, taking away the promise of sushi from Ashley is a bad idea. They both went on with their lives for a few weeks, texting here and there, but things went cold so to speak. Ashley went to her usual Tuesday sand volleyball game after having a busy day of yard work and cleaning. She didn't shower or put on make up and just was going about her business having given up on dating once again. Brendan was subbing on a friend's volleyball team that night and the two had no idea they were going to accidentally meet the person that they were looking so hard to find. Ashley was awkwardly walking out of the port o potty using her elbows, as she refuses to touch anything in bathrooms with her hands, when she heard a voice shout, "Ashley?". She looked around wondering who the heck was calling her and when she saw his smile, she knew. They hugged hello and shared a quick conversation but went about their volleyball games. Ashley sent Brendan a text asking to hangout after the games for food and drinks with teammates. They had tacos and margaritas and didn't want the night to end yet. They then stayed out at a local gay bar playing Euchre until 2 am, even though they both had to work early the next morning. They hugged good night and after that they never stopped making plans. They both knew whatever plans they made for the future, they'd found their person and wanted their plans to always be with each other.

Brendan got tickets to see the Fireflies on the Water exhibition by Yayoi Kusama at the Toledo Museum of Art. They were the last people in line for the exhibition that the day and patrons had to go into the room individually. Brendan wanted to go in first. When it was Ashley's turn she enjoyed a moment of quiet reflection in the breathtaking exhibit, (and of course took selfies) not knowing the day was soon about to turn into more than a simple date. When the door opened to alert her that her time in the exhibit was over, Ashley walked out to find Brendan down on one knee. She said “yes.” We’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you! See you in Toledo! Love, Ashley and Brendan #BecomingTheBuckleys