Our story begins in high school. Nick went to Calvert Hall and Ashleigh went to Mercy, their sister school. We both had mutual friends at Calvert Hall, which is how we met, and the high school crush began. Neither one of us knew we liked each other, as neither of us stepped out of our comfort zone to express how we felt. We went our separate ways after high school, Nick staying in Maryland and Ashleigh heading down to South Carolina for college and later, Catalina Island, California. Ashleigh returned home in Summer 2016, and we reunited 7 months later at a mutual friend’s birthday party. After a lot of flirting, Nick asked to take Ashleigh out. Those that know Ashleigh, know that she doesn’t fall quickly and keeps her guard up, so naturally, she put it off as long as possible and then finally agreed to a date. Our first date was at Hard Rock Café in Baltimore and then we walked around the harbor. The night ended with realizing Nick lost the ticket for the parking garage and had to pay full price for a 2-day pass in the garage. Ashleigh still doesn’t let him live that down, but we can laugh about it now! Next came Valentine’s Day 2017, a holiday that Ashleigh never liked! She worked a double at the restaurant to avoid celebrating, but Nick stayed up past his bedtime to wait at her house to give her a bouquet of flowers. The next day, we made it official, thank God Nick waited a day and didn’t ask on Valentine’s Day! This is how Ashleigh got out of celebrating Valentine’s Day each year!

Nick was falling fast and wanted to tell Ashleigh that he loves her but wanted her to say it first. Finally, Nick blurted out “I love you” and asked how she was feeling about him and where she saw the relationship going. Ashleigh said she liked him, but she wasn’t ready to say those 3 scary words. Deep down, Ashleigh knew she was in love with Nick, but she kept fighting the feeling. After researching zodiac signs, Nick came to realize exactly why Ashleigh was the way that she was. Nick, an Aries, “is passionate, intense, and can sense chemistry instantly and isn’t afraid to express their feelings”. Ashleigh, a Gemini, “is very patient when it comes to love and is often misunderstood as being emotionless, but Geminis will refrain from telling you ‘the words’ until they are absolutely sure”. From here, the only option was to compromise. Nick had to step back a little and Ashleigh had to show a little more emotion. She didn’t make him wait too much longer before telling him she loves him.

Fast forward, 7 years later to February 8, 2024, when Nick got down on one knee in Seaside, Florida and asked Ashleigh to spend forever with him. A few years ago, Ashleigh would’ve been terrified, but now she can’t wait to say “I do” on May 10, 2025!