We're Getting Married

It all started in 2015, in Gainsville, Fl at a wedding. We lived 500 miles apart and both full time students in college. After returning home from the wedding, we kept in touch and decided to give long distance a try. Our first year of dating consisted of many flights, long drives, late nights and facetimes. Heartbreak every time it was time to head back home. I(Ashley) had only one semester left in college and decided to take an internship in Florida for the summer. I stayed with Stephen and his family for the 3 short months but when it was time to head back to Georgia. I couldn't leave. I knew where my heart belonged and that was in Florida with Stephen. Stephen still had 1 year of school left. but I stayed. We did long distance before. We could do it again. While in Deland for school, Stephen adopted Buddy, our first little boy. I focused on my career while Stephen finished school. Eventually moving back home and then attending Law enforcement academy. After 3 years of dating, we finally moved in together. Life was amazing. Stephen was hired with Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office, finally living out his dream of being a law enforcement officer. But this meant night shift. Something I wasn't prepared for. Thankfully, I had amazing friends who I was able to spend time with on my nights alone. Fast forward a few more amazing years to 2022... It was March, I had just started my dream job but what we didn't know was that we were about to be blessed with the most special gift. A baby. Baby boy. We were scared. Terrified. but excited!! This was not something we were expecting but it is absolutely the best thing to happen to us. In July 2022, surrounded by all of our family and friends, Stephen proposed to me seconds before finding out we were having a baby boy! December 7th, 2022, Rocco Joseph Paladino entered this world and changed our lives for the better! He is the light of our world. On Rocco's first Birthday, we closed on our first home! We were so excited to finally own a home together. A home that would see Rocco's first steps. A home where we get married. and god willing, a home where we can grow our family. Although we did life a little backwards, we would not change it for the world. We are so excited to finally get Married and cannot wait to celebrate with you all on December 14th!!