As part of my undergrad program, I shadowed a physical therapist named Christi, who would turn out to be the best matchmaker! Cody was one of the first patients I worked with and was in PT because he had just had his first rib removed. I thought he looked so nice in his maroon button-up from the job fair, but he immediately had to take it off so we could examine his scar (which looked even better than the button up). Conversation with Cody felt so easy, we laughed while comparing grip strength and made small talk as I led him through his exercises. After that session, I texted my friend Bella (now one of my bridesmaids) saying, “I met the love of my life today.” (Little did 19-year-old Ashley know just how right she was!) I told her he was smart and funny and sent her screenshots of his Instagram so she could see how cute he was. (IYKYK: 2017/2018 was Cody’s “modeling era” on Instagram) The following week, I got an Instagram DM from Cody that said, “You weren’t at PT today 😪.” I still remember sitting in my freshman dorm room with my roommate and RA, freaking out that my PT crush had messaged me. I responded that I only worked on Wednesdays, and later found out Cody had switched his PT schedule to Wednesdays. Christi was thrilled to hear that “Rib Guy” (our nickname for Cody) had reached out, and she made sure I was paired with him every session. Week after week, we got to know each other better, laughing and flirting, until Cody eventually asked me out on our first date to one of our college town favorites, Local Taco…

After living in Lexington for just over a year, I developed Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and needed to have my first rib removed. I had surgery in Michigan and then returned to Lexington, attending school and physical therapy at the University of Kentucky. I had just come from a career fair at Gatton and was wearing the nicest outfit I could muster: a maroon button-up, black pants, and, of course, my neon green and blue Nike Elite backpack. While sitting in the waiting area, I saw her walk in; wearing khakis, of all things. Shortly after, I was called back to start working with my PT, Christi, and wouldn’t you know it, I was paired with the “khaki girl.” I thought she was cute; silly, but cute. During part of my assessment, I had to take off my shirt. I remember thinking, “Great, I’m the palest, skinniest, and most out of shape I’ve ever been, with a fresh set of scars, and now I’m half-naked in front of this cute girl.” A day or so later, I followed her on Instagram. A few days after that, when she wasn’t at my PT appointment, I DM’d her to ask where she was. She replied, “I’m only there on Wednesdays.” From then on, I made sure to book my appointments every Wednesday, and the rest is history...