After matching on Hinge during the summer, Brad and I went on our first date at Uncle Julio’s on September 17th. Honestly, we didn’t message that often when we first matched, but after sharing a bowl of queso, the rest is history! Brad started sending me breakfast at work (sharing his love language of food). We quickly became each other's best friends and began building a relationship around family, travel, and our love for one another. ⁃ Ashley

All summer, I secretly planned a surprise proposal. After many, “maybe it'll be this weekend” thoughts, we got engaged on July 29. After leaving a family vacation in Ocean City, I planned a surprise staycation in Alexandria. The next morning, I told Ashley we were going to brunch in Old Town. When we walked down to the water, I went down on one knee! I simply said, “Will you marry me?” forgetting my speech. Ashley, of course, said, “Yes!” The surprise didn't end there. After I proposed, I took her to Quattro Goombas, where I had all of our family and friends (even some from out of town) waiting for us to celebrate this next chapter of our lives. ⁃ Brad