In December 2013, Damien and Ashley met the old fashioned way… at work! As a consultant, Ashley was given specific instructions by her manager to keep her client (a.k.a. Damien) happy. However, we all know that she does not follow orders well… and so it began!! It was not all rainbows and butterflies at first, but you could definitely tell there was something in the air between them. Ashley was very focused on her career, her life in DC and determined to maintain a strictly professional relationship with Damien. He agreed they should keep it strictly business :: wink wink ::. Over several months, innumerable meetings, and a few work trips the two realized that they had a strong friendship, a bit of chemistry and the potential for more. And more was sure to follow… After Ashley’s consulting gig was over in Raleigh, the two kept in touch despite the fact that they lived in two different cities. From 2014 - 2017, the pair shared endless nights on the phone and FaceTimes, traveled back and forth between Raleigh and DC as well as taking trips to other destinations. In 2017, Damien nor Ashley could take the separation any longer and Ashley moved to Raleigh, they welcomed a beautiful son together, and the rest is history!