Mario and Ashley met when they were graduate students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program at Molloy College back in 2015. They didn't speak to each other during the first semester, but during their winter session in January of 2016, they were paired together to work on an in-class activity. Later that night after class, Mario reached out and messaged Ashley about the activity. They talked for hours that night and ended up going on a first date. They continued to spend time together and made the relationship official on February 21, 2016.

Mario and Ashley were moving to Saint Petersburg, Florida on August 1, 2021. The weekend before the move, Ashley thought they were going to her parents house for a small family 'going away party', but Mario had other plans. When they got to Ashley's parents house, her mom had said that she wanted to go to lunch, and one of Ashley's favorite places, Zach's Bay, on the boat. Ashley thought this was a little bit strange since they were having a party soon, but went with it anyway. Mario was a great actor and made it seem like he didn't want to go. They got to Zach's Bay and spent some time on the beach. Mario took out his drone to 'take some pictures and videos' on the beach which isn't out of the norm. He called Ashley over to look at what he was getting and then turned around. From the corner of her eye, Ashley saw Mario down on one knee. Everyone celebrated on the beach and went to lunch on the way back. When they pulled up to the house on the boat, an entire engagement party was set up! We're so excited to celebrate with you See you in Florida!