5.15.2027

Ashley and Paiden technically met long before they ever imagined they’d end up here. Back in high school, they sat at the same table in Home Ec class where they learned to sew, competed in a fake food truck cooking competition, won a prestigious “Gold Whisk,” and somehow always left Paiden stuck on dish duty while Ashley handled the cooking and marketing strategy. Truly an early glimpse into their future dynamic. Before meeting Paiden that year, Ashley had met a girl named Janaya at her freshman open house. She was kind, beautiful, and someone Ashley instantly wanted to be friends with. What she didn’t realize then was that Janaya and Paiden were siblings. Years later, after high school, Ashley and Janaya grew even closer, so close that Ashley became one of Janaya’s bridesmaids. Somewhere along the way, the two started joking that maybe one day Janaya would officially get Ashley into the family. Neither of them realized just how serious that joke would eventually become. Meanwhile, the Lord was quietly working behind the scenes in both Ashley and Paiden’s lives. In the summer of 2023, Ashley fully surrendered her life to the Lord and began praying intentionally over her future husband. After graduating from GCU, she moved back down to Arizona in October 2024 for work. Then, in April 2025, Paiden gave his life to the Lord and began praying for a Godly wife of his own. By August, he was baptized, and Janaya decided it was finally time to begin what they now lovingly refer to as “the arranged marriage.” The conversations went something like: “Paiden, do you remember Ashley from high school?” “Yeah… she’s beautiful.” And to Ashley: “BTW my brother said you’re beautiful.” A date was arranged almost too perfectly. Ashley was already going to be back in Washington for her mom’s final chemo appointment, making it the perfect opportunity to visit Janaya and finally see Paiden again after years apart. Paiden ended up picking Ashley up in Sumner and drive her over an hour to Bellevue after they hadn’t spoken since freshman year. Thankfully, they were only slightly nervous. What was supposed to be one night quickly turned into several. A game night with Janaya and JJ. Sushi, bowling, and a walk in the park that (they didn’t realize at the time) would eventually become the view from their first apartment together. Before Ashley flew back to Arizona, they admitted what had already become obvious: neither of them wanted this to end. Paiden promised he’d pursue Ashley no matter where she lived, reminding her Arizona was “only a three-hour flight away.” After Ashley flew home, they spent every night calling and FaceTiming, counting down the days until they could see each other again. During those few weeks apart, Ashley realized she didn’t want to renew her Arizona lease. She wanted to come home to Washington, to family and friends, and to Paiden. Exactly one year after starting her Arizona job, she finished her last day at work. On November 1st, Paiden flew to Arizona as planned, but instead of flying home after, he canceled his return flight, helped Ashley pack up her apartment, and drove over 24 hours back to Washington with her. From that point on, they were inseparable. After surviving a Disney World “family approval test,” designing a ring together in January, and a proposal in February, Ashley and Paiden couldn’t wait any longer to begin the life God had so clearly brought together. They eloped on May 15th and are now so grateful to celebrate one year of marriage surrounded by all the people they love most. Their story is a testament to the beautiful plans the Lord has for His children and what can happen when two people fully place Him first and trust His timing.