We're Getting Married!

We met inside a Starbucks in St. Charles, where Ralph was working as a barista. From the start, we both felt a unique connection, though we couldn’t quite explain why. Once a week, we’d see each other there and talk about coffee, life, and whatever concoction Ralph was crafting for Ashley that day. After a few weeks of these brief but meaningful moments, we discovered that Ralph worked at a school, which was one of Ashley’s dream career paths. When a job opening became available at his school, Ralph encouraged Ashley to apply. A few months later, we became coworkers. Ralph always made sure Ashley felt welcomed and supported, and over time, we grew into close friends. This continued for a few years... Then the world shut down because of COVID. Though not particularly tech-savvy, Ralph did his best to navigate through this new remote world, just so we could keep in touch during those uncertain months. As the world became more complicated, our connection only deepened. Ralph, knowing Ashley was often working 14-hour shifts, would invite Ashley for peaceful tea breaks by the river in Geneva to make sure she was taking time to slow down and take care of herself. As life got harder, our bond grew stronger. Over the next year, our friendship blossomed into romance. We continued to encourage each other to grow, to heal, and to become the best versions of ourselves. And we’ve never looked back.