In a world of modern day love, it's no shock that this love story began on the internet. Or maybe it didn't - it depends who you ask. But the first date was due to Ashley sending Daniel a Direct Message on Facebook after she noticed they had mutual friends, both attended IU and both were in Indianapolis. She even asked some of his good buddies about him (hi Joey and Landon!) of who she knew really well from IU - and was shocked she didn't meet Daniel. But Daniel will tell you they did meet...once...at a bar...in Bloomington. So you can you use your imagination on that one. The two had their first official date at Ralston's in downtown Indianapolis. Ashley was sure she talked too much, and Daniel didn't think he talked enough. Ashley even went home to tell her roommate, Chelsea, that she doubted they would go on another date. But she was wrong! Apparently Daniel is OK with Ashley's incessant babbling and did indeed ask her on a second date. From that point on they became relatively inseparable, although they started dating in March - which Daniel being an accountant and at that time Ashley traveling a lot for work proved to be a bit tricky to schedule time to see each other. They spoke a lot distantly and had to make do with late Wednesday night dates to see each other. Soon enough they started mingling in their friend groups, meeting family members and planning trips near and far: Chicago to see Hamilton, Paris over Thanksgiving, London and Liverpool to see Daniel's favorite team, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka for all the food and sights, and the sandy beaches of Tulum. And six years later they look forward to saying, "I do!" and planning many more trips to see the world together.

After moving to NYC in October of 2020, amidst a global pandemic, Daniel knew he wanted to end the year on a positive note. 2020 after-all was a year that tested us all more than we ever thought possible. Ashley left the career field she had been in for almost a decade and they uprooted to move across the country, Hugo in tow. Daniel had a great evening planned. One full of Central Park, a fine dining experience (at a restaurant Ashley had been wanting to go to) and a surprise friend/photographer (hi Lucy!) on the ready. But that week had some challenges. First, a ban was put on indoor dining within the city - taking the option for a romantic dining experience off the table. Second - the first, and only, large snowfall of 2020 hit Manhattan hard the night prior. But he wanted to ask her still. He adjusted plans, and even though Ashley had an inclination of what was going to happen she didn't know the details. So as she tried to change the dinner the day of, encourage taking an Uber or leaving earlier - Daniel kept resisting. And for good reason. As they walked toward dinner, Daniel suggested walking through Madison Square Park - the park near their apartment that they take their dog, Hugo, regularly. Daniel dropped to his knee, pulled out the ring and asked Ashley if she would marry him to ensure that 2020 had a great memory involved for the both of them. She said yes and they celebrated with friends and family when thy returned to Indianapolis for the holidays.