Our story began at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex. Chris was entering his third summer as a counselor, and I (Ashley) was the “new girl.” I was intrigued by Chris’s outgoing personality, but it was an ironic turn of events that brung the two of us together. See, Chris was supposed to get my number for his friend. However, Chris decided to keep the number for himself. We worked on establishing a genuine friendship before we went on our first date. We found ways to be in each other’s presence at work and just talk about life. We wanted something real. Something genuine. Something built on a friendship that would remain the basis of our relationship. Eventually Chris and I would go on our first date to the National Harbor and talk for hours. We sat on the pier and talked about life. The highs and lows. Our dreams and ambitions. It was after this date that Chris would go home and tweet, “Swear she finna be mine.” The summer continued, and so did the dates and long conversations. Through all the ups and downs, Chris and I knew that we were placed into each other’s lives for a reason.

I think it is safe to say that at some point everyone has envisioned their proposal. I knew that I always wanted to be proposed to around Christmas time, and under Christmas lights. So, on 12/22/19, Chris made my dream come true. Under a gigantic shiny ring display and beautiful Christmas lights at The Enchanted Lights at Nationals Park, Chris asked me to be his wife!