Ashley and Max have known each other their entire lives. Growing up in the close-knit bubble of Port Jefferson, it was impossible not to know everyone in the whole school, let alone the same grade. They naturally became closer later in high school. They were in a few shows together, Ashley onstage dancing, and Max backstage in the wings. After graduation, before they both started college in the fall, they grew closer and began spending a lot more time together. That’s when they officially started dating. July 24, 2018, marks the beginning of their journey together. The first four years of their relationship were long distance, spent mostly on FaceTime and counting the days until they could see each other again. Max was attending Ithaca College, studying theatre design, while Ashley stayed home to study elementary education at Saint Joseph’s College. After four years of studying hard and making the most of their time at school, they were so excited to finally be close again! That is, until Max got into the California Institute of the Arts to work towards a master’s degree in architectural lighting design. After four years of long distance, and growing deeper in their connection to each other, they knew they could do one more year of long distance. Max moved all the way to Los Angeles, and after one more year apart, Ashley made the move to California to start teaching. Their two years living on the West Coast together were truly amazing. They explored national parks, traveled abroad, and even brought home their sweet puppy, Millie. Then, in the summer of 2024, Max proposed on Nantucket, at Sankaty Head Lighthouse - a special place where they had spent countless summers together over the years. After Max completed his schooling in California, they decided it was time to come home - back to where it all began - in Port Jefferson, New York. Ashley and Max are so excited to share this next chapter of their lives with all of you!