In a world full of electronic algorithm-based connections, Paul and Ashley met “the old fashioned way.” On a cool spring Friday in March 2017, Paul was on a wildly unsuccessful first date. Paul was relieved to be reminded that he had been invited to a friend’s housewarming party, giving him the perfect excuse to politely retreat early. While Paul mulled over whether he had the will to go to the housewarming party, Ashley was getting ready for that same party! Fast forward two hours, and Ashley walked through the front door of the party and noticed a very attractive man across the room. Standing next to that man, was Paul... As they say, the rest is history!

It was a normal, quarantine Friday that happened to be Ashley's half birthday (we love birthdays around here). Ashley finished her work day and went to run errands to prepare for a digital happy hour to support a local non profit (support your local non profits, people!). Somehow, and uncommonly, she lost track of time and was running behind to meet her friend, Kate - see "Wedding Party" 5th image down. Unbeknownst to her, Paul had been frantically scheming with friends and family both from near and far to help make the moment incredibly special. When Ashley arrived home, she was greeted by Kate, with flowers and was told to go to her back patio. When she arrived at the patio, Paul was standing there with his arms wide open, and he whispered Happy Half Birthday (told ya) and then with a big smile he got down on one knee. Ashley's family and Paul's grandmother were on zoom to witness the moment, and their close friends and family were below on the street to further envelop them with love. It was an unforgettable moment that helped to make 2020 wonderful despite everything happening around us.  A fun tidbit is that Paul had acquired the ring, the day before Maryland shut down and had hoped to carry out his Plan A, but had to pivot to a quarantine proposal. Luckily, for Ashley, marrying Paul was Plan A, all along.