Ashley and Ben first met in Barcelona in 2021, neither expecting that a year abroad would change their lives forever. Ashley was playing water polo professionally, while Ben was immersed in international economics. Their first date was meant to be a walk to the Bunkers, a scenic spot overlooking the city. But they stopped for a bite to eat, and lost track of time talking, laughing, and discovering a connection neither had anticipated. Sightseeing and eating their way across Spain, Ben cheered Ashley on at water polo games while Ashley brought a welcome reprieve from Ben’s complex (and confusing!) economic models. Through it all, Ashley tried to convince Ben to shave his big red beard, which he kept until finals that spring anyway, having promised his classmates he wouldn’t cut it... Somehow, she didn’t shave it while he was sleeping. Love, as it often does, appeared suddenly. By January, Ashley knew she was in deep, calling Ben from her family’s home in Big Bear, missing his wit and spontaneity. Ben’s realization came a month later during a weekend trip to Sitges for Carnival, when he realized that life just wasn’t as joyful without her. When their year in Barcelona ended, with Ashley returning to the U.S. for her MBA and Ben moving to Switzerland for work, their choice was clear: staying together, even 4,680 miles apart, was better than saying goodbye. Eventually, Ben moved back to the U.S. for another Masters, this time at Georgetown, while Ashley finished her MBA and accepted a role with PwC in Washington, D.C. Reunited at last! Living together has brought new joys and new challenges, but the communication, trust, and respect they built during long distance continue to ground them. Like true athletes, they face everything as a team. Now, they’re excited to bring together their teams of friends and family for a weekend of celebration this October in Atlanta!