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July 18, 2020
Philadelphia, PA

Ashley & Melissa

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Ashley Barriner-Byrd

and

Melissa Sandoval

July 18, 2020

Philadelphia, PA

The Most Pleasant Surprise

07.30.2017

Ashley and Melissa met at a farewell in Haiti in 2017. Little did Melissa know that when the guards opened the gate, the most quintessential blackgirlmagic family would emerge—Ashley, Amayah and Alayshia. Melissa was immediately captivated by Ashley. She offered to show Ashley around since she had just arrived. During the farewell, the two got to know each other. Melissa was not sure why, but she felt the desire to share her space with Ashley, all of her space, all of the time. She did not want to stop talking to her. When it was time to eat, she even put extra sweets on her plate to share. She loved everything about Ashley: her Philly accent, her smile, how she’d perfectly twisted the curls around her edges, and lined her lips. This attraction turned into frequent outings for the two, texts at all hours, and wine nights, until one night Melissa never went home. She became a permanent resident at Canne-a-Sucre. The two became inseparable. Their love, transcending countries, time zones, and family separation, has only grown stronger. The support, patience and commitment that Ashley and Melissa have for one another knows no boundaries. Their love and the love they have for their children, has never failed them, because...after all, aint no mountain high, aint no valley low...

The Proposal

12.30.18

Ashley and Melissa share a genuine love for traveling. On December 30, 2018, Melissa surprised Ashley with an engagement in Cartagena. Under the guise of an anniversary photoshoot, Melissa orchestrated a proposal on the beach, since they spent many days with their toes in the sand. The beach became one of their favorite places. After taking a few photos together, the photographer instructed Ashley to close her eyes and release two fists full of roses in the air, and spin around. Waiting for Ashley on the other side was Melissa on one knee. Melissa had mentally prepared for this day, but was suddenly overcome with emotion when she saw Ashley's face. All she could muster was: I love you. Will you marry me? Ashley, as she often does, burst into laughter and said, YES! Of course. She then helped Melissa up and kissed her. She had no idea that this photoshoot was for a proposal.

For all the days along the way
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