Chris and Ashley met online, with Ashley being the first to message Chris, "I bet I can get your dog to love me as much as he loves you." From that moment, Ashley continuously showed Chris how much she loves Grimm, as well as her dogs, Nala and Mila. Chris and Ashley were both working on bettering themselves and healing from their past. Although both were hesitant for a new relationship, it began to blossom as they kept showing up for each other. While never labeling the relationship, the two became exclusive for nine months, until Ashley wanted the relationship label. After being together for over a year, Chris and Ashley had the conversation of moving in together, but first having to get the dogs to get along. The two conquered having to teach Grimm how to get along with two smaller dogs, and Nala and Mila getting along with a dog double their size. The two first found a rental house in Brookfield, despite the size of the house, Chris and Ashley got the house based on the yard for the dogs. After living there for a year, they decided it was time to buy a house! After finding a house and having a signed offer, the seller went MIA and backed out of the contract. Leaving them a week to find a home, they found another house close-by to rent, signed the lease without being able to look at the house. After getting the keys, what they ended up moving into was a complete disaster. Previous tenants left much of their belongings, the roof leaked inside the house, and many more horrifying sights. Again, Chris and Ashley put their needs aside to best fit the needs of the dogs - a half-acre yard. After less than a year of renting at this second house, and attempting to navigate home buying, they kept dealing with legal issues with their previous landlord and current landlord, as if it could not keep piling on. After many declined home offers, in March 2025 Chris and Ashley finally received an accepted offer in Waukesha. A house big enough for the two, with a yard for the three dogs, and, of course, a three car garage for Chris' beloved Mustang. Finally, things began to go the way Chris and Ashley were finally hoping they would. As the two continued to attend weddings, everyone kept asking Chris when he was going to propose, and telling him that he was next to propose. For their four year dating anniversary, December 12, 2025, Chris and Ashley went to Santino's Little Italy and Ashley mentioned how their patio with string lights would be a cute place to get proposed to. Come Ashley's birthday, January 10, 2026, despite the bitter cold and snow, Santino wanted to show Ashley and Chris the changes that are expected on their patio. Ashley was quick to connect the dots in her head and stood away from Chris on the patio to purposely made him work for it. After saying Chris wanted to get a photo is when he got to one knee and asked Ashley to be his wife. Before Chris was able to get to his knee, Ashley said yes! This now continued their forever plans. Chris and Ashley are thankful for the support and love from their friends and family. The couple looks forward to celebrating with those who can make the wedding!