Who would have thought social distancing would bring two social butterflies together? They always say you will find someone when you aren't looking. Tom & Ashley met at their apartment pool, living just a few doors down from one another.

Ashley & Tom invited a few friends over for a housewarming dinner. Ashley was so excited to surprise her friends with a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest! She was also in the festive spirit & asked everyone to come in ugly sweaters last minute. Little did Ashley know, Tom was working behind the scenes with KJ, Miriah, Brendan, & Gerben. The friends walked in insisting we played Brendan’s “new” game called Just One. When it was Ashley’s turn to guess she turned around to “Will You Marry Me Ashley?” written with each person’s game card. Tom dropped to his knee & it was game over. We are both so thankful to our friends who helped Tom pull it off. It is very on brand for Ashley to get proposed to in a mermaid santa ugly sweater.

Ashley & Tom have always been great with communication so while the when/where of the proposal was a surprise the engagement was not. Tom asked Ashley to send some ring inspiration and the wait was on. While Tom was browsing his Mom, Lelia, surprised him with his Great-Grandmother's ring. His Great-Grandfather was fighting overseas during World World I when he mailed the ring back and said once he returned he wanted to marry her. The rest is history! Ashley then asked her Mom, Debbie, for a matching stone to showcase both sides of the family. She selected one out of a necklace her Mom wore daily as it brings good memories. After that, a stone was placed in the middle to symbolize the joining of both families.