While both of us were on very different and challenging journeys, we would later learn these journeys were leading us to one another. Our paths first crossed in 2018 as co-workers with QPS Employment Group when Ashley would visit the Rockford branch. Fast forward to 2020 when Tom sent Ashley a Facebook message and the two became friends while Ashley dropped hints of interest that often went right over his head but he eventually got his act together! From the first time they hung out, they knew the connection and ease was unlike any other they had ever experienced.

We got dressed up and ready to go with our friends (Alex & John) to head to Milwaukee and see another friend (Sam) in action at the amazing Lupi & Iris restaurant. Little did Ashley know, there was plans happening behind the scenes! The ring was passed around like a hot potato from Tom to Alex to John and finally Sam! The night before, Sam was reminded on how he would be handed the ring, but he got to excited about getting his bag back that he whipped it out forgetting about the ring! John and Alex panicked and immediately figured out how to get Sam's attention WITHOUT Ashley noticing. Turns out, Sam almost lost the ring in the garbage but luckily it was just on his workstation and was found! After endless appetizers and the most delicious dinner, dessert was brought up and everyone agreed to try a bit of everything... then the servers started bringing out dessert and set one in front of John, one in front of Alex, and one in front of Tom. Sam then set a plate down in front of Ashley with the writing 'Ashley Will You Marry Me?' In complete shock, she turned to Sam who had set it down and asked "Are you pranking me" but noticed the love of her life on one knee and the background disappeared when he asked to Marry Him. Without a second thought, she said YES.