Slater and Ashley first met online over their shared interest in martial arts while Slater was working as a paralegal and Ashley was in Physical Therapy school. They went on their first date on 10/15/17. Slater took the Metra into Union Station, and they got Starbucks and started walking over to Millennium Park. It started raining on the walk, so Ashley offered to share her umbrella with Slater; he refused to stand that close--being too much of a gentleman--and the rain proceeded to soak through his clothes. They continued their date back at Union Station. They were engrossed in conversation, and Slater missed his first train back, resulting in more chatting in cold, wet clothing for the next hour. After that eventful first date, they decided to meet up again for a second date.
Slater and Ashley share many outdoor and indoor interests. They went to the Goose Island Taproom for their second date and make it a point to visit local breweries at home and during travel. For outdoor activities, they both enjoy snowboarding, canoeing/kayaking, biking, nature walks, and kicking a soccer ball around. They participated in a Spartan Race for fun and have joined forces for yoga and Orange Theory classes on occasion. They have also visited festivals frequently including the Windy City Rib and Hot Dog Fests, Christkindlmarket, Bristol Renaissance Faire, Holland (Michigan) Tulip Festival, and more.
For indoor activities, Slater and Ashley both enjoy playing video games, reading, watching sci-fi/fantasy shows and movies, and listening to music--with Slater always attempting to broaden Ashley's limited musical knowledge. Slater additionally pursues interests in plant and fish keeping.
Slater and Ashley were finally able to get cats in October 2021, fulfilling a desire Slater had for years and despite Ashley being mildly allergic. Slater read a cat book on a Sunday in preparation for reaching out to adoption agencies. They contacted one agency about the first pair of bonded cats they found and discovered Clover and Fern were recently fostered to a family who had a severe cat allergy; Slater and Ashley had the cats home by Friday. Clover and Fern have since been the center of the vast majority of their picture taking. For those of you who have asked for cat photos, enjoy!
In recent years, Slater and Ashley have welcomed several new family members including 4 nephews--Conner, Toren, Bryer, and Cory.
Slater and Ashley also weathered some of the most difficult times in their lives together in 2019 and 2021. Their fathers shared an interest in old cars and were often the jokesters of the families!
Slater and Ashley visited the Bristol Renaissance Festival in summer 2023, and among other things, they bought some one dollar mini swords and a ring made out of nails by a blacksmith. Subsequently, the nail ring ended up in Ashley's car cupholder. In fall 2023, Slater switched out the nail ring with an engagement ring. Due to being vertically challenged (not being able to see the bottom of the cupholders while driving), Ashley did not notice the switch. After a few weeks, Slater pulled the ring out and proposed directly to Ashley on Tuesday, November 7th in the evening. They made plans to visit Morton Arboretum on Saturday, November 11th to enjoy the wonderful fall weather and commemorate their shared enjoyment of nature with a formal proposal. The ring was too big and couldn't be resized, so Ashley wears it as a necklace instead.