On a whim, Ashley decided to take a study break while preparing for her third licensing exam... by downloading a dating app and giving it another go. Meanwhile, X was fed up and about to take a break from it.

He decided to open the app one last time and was immediately smitten with Ashley. Nervously, he swiped right and decided he'd give it a day or two to see if she would swipe on him. To his surprise, he got a notification that they had matched, and was even more delighted to receive a message from her later that day asking about escape room tips (prior to dating she had never done one, and he has a proud record of being undefeated)!

Their connection and chemistry was immediately apparent. After days conversing about their shared interests, Ashley shared an important update - she passed her exam! X thought that was the perfect opportunity to ask her out for coffee to celebrate.

The two met up at Java House in Carmel, IN where they talked for four hours straight, but they both claim time stood still. Eager to spend more time with Ashley (and capitalize on the fun fall season), X asked her to join him at Harvest Nights at Newfields Art Museum.

They have been inseparable ever since.

On a warm day in late September, X told Ashley that he had a fun (but secret!) day full of adventure planned.

An avid reader, Ashley was able to read between the lines. She played along - while wearing a nice dress for a fun day out.

X had a full day planned out recreating some of their favorite early dates - coffee at Java House, admiring art at Newfields, and finally a stop at their favorite park.

At a bench overlooking a scenic view of the pond, X got down on one knee to ask a very important question - if Ashley would share the rest of her life with him. Needless to say, she excitedly replied, "Yes!"

That day at the park, a wedding was underway along with teenagers posing for photos for homecoming. The two gallantly fought off hordes of teenagers and wedding goers at the park for prime post-proposal photo spots before riding off into the sunset (it was about to rain).