Ashley and Christopher started their post-graduate service with Dominican Volunteers USA in the Summer of 2014. That year, there were 18 volunteers serving across the country, and all were meeting for the first time at Orientation in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, also known as, "The Mound". You think that with such a small group of volunteers, Ashley and Christopher would meet for the first time during that week. However, that wasn't the case. Ashley and Christopher managed to dodge and avoid each other the whole week, not saying a word. Legend has it that Ashley thought Christopher was "loud and annoying". As it turned out, they went their separate ways, with Ashley serving in Atlanta and Christopher going to Chicago. Fate would turn this story around eventually. After a random Instagram comment that Christopher decided to leave on one of Ashley's posts, the line of communication, although virtually, was finally open between these two. They even managed to have some conversations at the later mid-year retreat where this was just the beginning of something special. Ashley decided to send Christopher a very long (although she doubts that it was that long) text message about an activity that they had done during the retreat that she really connected with him about. She said that she wanted to talk more with him. Turns out, Christopher was serious about her proposal, and they spoke for nearly every single day since. Christopher had sent a letter to Ashley a couple of months after, that gave some real "I think I like you, and want something more with you" vibes. Ashley became suspicious, but also had to think a little bit to see if she felt the same way. Eventually Ashley came up to visit family in May of 2015. Christopher and Ashley had their first date at Campagnola on the 16th of that month. This began the beginning of the wonderful journey and love story that they would explore together.

Ashley and Christopher took a much needed vacation to Toronto, Canada. They planned on doing many "touristy" things while there for the week. The middle of the week was planned to go to the Canadian (and better) side of Niagara Falls. They enjoyed the day spending some time learning about the Falls, and even getting a little close and personal (ponchos were very necessary!). It was a great day and a fun experience, but there was at least one problem: IT WAS HOT! And although that may have been the only problem Ashley had to deal with that day, there was a little bit more on Christopher's plate. You see, he had bigger plans for that day. And those plans were in the form of a tiny wooden box containing a shiny ring. Christopher thought that it would be a good idea to not have such a large box bulging out of his pocket to seem suspicious; but he didn't account for the 2000 times that he would have to tap his pocket during the day to make sure that the ring was securely there, and that it didn't magically jump out. He had one thing on his mind: don't lose the ring, don't look suspicious. Spoiler alert: he failed at that last part. When they were finished in their explorations, Ashley had one thing on her mind: get to the car, and blast the AC. Christopher decided to forgo those plans and go walk down a sidewalk to stay a little bit more in the heat. Ashley wasn't amused. It was about 20 minutes of walking at a slow pace, Christopher looking around the area, trying to make sure that nobody was spying in on them (because apparently somebody was), waiting for the perfect moment. Ashley got very suspicious at this point. He then got down on one knee and asked her the big question, the question of all questions, and on May 16, 2018, she said "Yes!" The day ended at a local Toronto tapas restaurant. They enjoyed their favorite meal they've ever had together. Nobody else was in the restaurant. It was perfect.