We first met when Elie was still living in Chicago, and coming home to visit friends and family for Christmas. His friends were hosting a "welcome home" party and had invited a few friends.

Meanwhile, Ashley had just gotten off her shift, was tired and did not want to go out. Her friend called her and dragged her out to a house party.

Fast forward a couple of hours, and the two laid eyes on each other. There was some playing hard to get for a while, and an extensive long distance relationship between Chicago and Vancouver - but luckily this story has a happy ending.

CROATIA - August 8, 2019. The morning was a great adventure in Krka Waterfalls near Split. Through a series of lucky events, Ashley and I managed to literally be the first people at the waterfalls. We had the entire place to ourselves - it was surreal. I've never seen Ash so excited and adventurous. I've never seen her so care-free and venturesome; and I loved it. In the water, she was the one pushing me to explore new places and swim more. I loved seeing this side of her.

When we finally got back to the house, we started to get ready. I told her earlier that we will be having a "date night." As Ashley got ready, her parents understood the importance of this moment - it would be the last time their only daughter would leave their side before committing herself to a future with me. Before we left, I shook her dad's hand and we were off for the moment that will change our lives forever.

We rushed to catch a ferry that took us to Hvar (an island off the coast of Split). We arrived earlier than I had expected so we spent some time walking around and taking in the island. Thinking back, my stomach must have been in knots but I tried my best to stay calm. I told Ashley that we had dinner reservations at a restaurant. So when we finally arrived at a "tour company," I think she started to think that this may not be an ordinary dinner. We were taken by Jeep up into the mountains of Hvar - off the coast on the hillside. As we pulled up, I'm sure Ashley knew that this was going to be special moment. The setup was perfect, the backdrop was stunning but most importantly, she was the most beautiful girl in the world in that moment - and ever since. When we finally pulled up to the breathtaking location, which was an olive farm with a small hut, she knew it was happening.

She walked out, slowly, and started wandering. The sky had started slowly to clear up, and the sun began to shine. I was so nervous and I didn't want to wait any longer. She definitely knew. I called her over and held her. She immediately started crying and shaking. She was perfect. I promised to be her best friend, pledged to protect her, and told her that I'd love her for the rest of my life. I asked her to marry me. She was shaking uncontrollably as tears ran down her face, but she said yes. It was the most amazing moment of my life.

We then sat down together, and almost immediately the sunset erupted in the sky. It was as if it was waiting for us to be engaged. It was so peaceful sitting there with Ashley, my new fiancé, just relishing in the moment. It was the most nerve racking, yet calming moment of my life. In that moment, I was the luckiest person alive.