Ryan's Hinge profile mentioned sandwiches. Ashley took that as her cue to send a like and a comment, as she was also on a journey for a good sandwich. A good back-and-forth and a delayed first date due to Ryan attending a best friend's bachelor party led Ashley to break her internet dating rule; she gave Ryan her number before they had ever met.

Normally, you know, stranger danger? But they made plans to meet up at (obviously) a sandwich place for dinner. A quick pivot due to timing, and on May 3rd, 2024, Ryan and Ashley were sitting in Carrera's, eating good (Southern California good) Mexican food across from each other. They instantly felt connected to each other and a clear alignment of the things that matter most to them: enjoying life, loving people well, and reflecting an accurate picture of the God we grew up learning about.

Their subsequent dates were full of laughter and connection: 1Up Arcade, ice cream and Razzles on the Plum Creek Trail, a hike in Golden, and bonfire burritos, and giving each other temporary tattoos in Wash Park. Ashley couldn't believe how comfortable she felt having both deep conversation and being the silliest version of herself - something that was hard for her to do on dates early on. But with Ryan, it was different.

Slowly their lives and friends started to integrate. Ashley first had Ryan meet a group of her friends at a murder mystery party where he had to dress up as a french man (he doesn't normally wear a beret) who then ended up being the murderer. They loved him anyway.

A picnic date at the rock late that summer became a quieter marker in both their hearts of what their hopes were for the future of the relationship.

After months of dates intertwining their lives, Ashley and Ryan said "I love you" after attending the wedding of Ryan's cousin Jakayla and Sam on a snowy November day. By then it had felt like a long time coming. Ashley made Ryan promise that this "I love you" meant forever, and it did.

Since that day in November in 2024, they lived through ups and downs, all while cementing their assurance of love for each other. Little notes on the fridge, silly outfits, trips to meet friends and family on both coasts, concerts, 2 bathroom remodels, an Alaska trip, running a half-marathon together, always a thank you for unloading the dishwasher, a surprise Survivor birthday party, sandwiches, and just a million little reminders of how grateful we are to have each other.

Ryan surprised Ashley with a proposal on November 15th, looking out onto the Rock where he first knew he wanted to marry her. BEST DAY EVER.