A + C

We were both born and raised in small towns in McMinn County, TN, and we originally connected through horseback riding back when we were kids. Our moms became particularly good friends within that group and continue that relationship to this day. During that time we knew of each other and saw each other at shows and trail rides, but never really interacted (Ashley always thought Christian was cute, though); however, we have always been friends on all social medias, and his family always kept up with Ashley's softball career all the way through high school and college at the University of Tennessee, watching on TV and even coming to games. After Ashley graduated from UT and played her professional rookie season out of state, she came back home at the end of summer to continue her medical school application process and coach softball for a year. Ashley was at a coffee shop studying for the MCAT, and she posted video on her story commenting on a song that was playing in the coffee shop. Christian replied to that story with a song recommendation, specifically "Watchman" by Gregory Alan Isakov. We exchanged some more song recommendations, continued to talk, went on a date about a week later, and we have been inseparable ever since. We love to spend time outdoors, particularly hiking somewhere. We have gone on lots of weekend trips to national parks or other beautiful bucket list hiking/outdoorsy destinations. We both love and have played sports throughout our lives, so we enjoy playing slow pitch, corn hole, etc. (really anything that evokes competitiveness). Christian even served as Ashley's "assistant-to-the-pitching coach" when she was a college softball coach this past spring. Additionally, we both love wathcing the Tennessee Vols play, and while Ashley is a Vol fan and LVFL through and through, Christian also cheers on the Duke Blue Devils basketball and Ohio State Buckeyes football (we won't hold it against him, though). We also love spending time with our amazing families and friends.

Ashley is currently in medical school at East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, TN, and Christian is a drafting engineer at Panel Built in Etowah, TN. After we are married, Christian will go remote with his company, and we will be living in Johnson City as Ashley continues medical school. Our relationship is truly a testament to God's perfect timing, and we cannot wait to see what God has in store for us as a couple. We are both so blessed to have each other and our families along this journey, and we cannot wait to celebrate our marriage with all of you!