It was a chilly evening at Festival du Voyageur in February 2018, and a Winnipeg winter was in full effect. Little did everyone present that evening know, new love was about to heat up the dance floor of Club St. B. Before we get into the details of Ashton and Chad’s love story let’s get to know them a little bit shall we…. Chad Paulicelli was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, with sister Shayna by their parents Kim and Dean. Chad was a happy kid who believed in strong family morals and loved sports (especially hockey) which he still plays. Chad started working at the MBLL and worked his way through business school while climbing the corporate ladder. As opportunities sometimes are destiny, he now sells wine, spirits, and beer for Andrew Peller Limited! Pairing wine and food is a passion of his. One of Chad’s favorite places to cook is with Ashton for their friends and family. Ashton Hurley was also born and raised in Winnipeg, MB with her brother Connor by their parents Denise and James. Ashton was also a happy kid, but her parents would argue she was a moody teenager. Ashton grew up dancing and singing, she loved being on stage. Ashton also enjoyed sports however she was not particularly good at any of them. Instead, Ashton excelled academically and is now about to complete her final year of residency at University of Illinois. She looks forward to coming home and practicing as a Family Medicine Physician specializing in Obstetrics.

Now back to the story…. Chad realized that Ashton was in town through her brother Connor. Chad and Connor go way back, meeting through Chad’s sister Shayna. Connor always supported the idea of Chad and Ashton getting together and would always ask Chad when he was finally going to ask Ashton out! So, one weekend in February Ashton posted a photo on Instagram from the Chicago Airport. You know the ones that girls post with their feet up on their suitcase and the caption is usually something like “Flying somewhere?”. Playing it cool, Chad sent Ashton a DM on instagram asking her “Hey, you in town?” she replied with “Yes”. After which there was no response. Some would say Chad ghosted Ashton, but this was a calculated move to generate interest. Chad already knew the game plan, as Connor and him had discussed it earlier that day. The music was bumping that night and after a shot or two of tequila Chad asked Ashton to dance. It was then that they both realized that their forever dance partner had some moves! After spending the entire evening on the dance floor Chad asked Ashton if she wanted to hang out again soon. Unfortunately for both of them this was not possible as Ashton had to return back to Chicago the next morning. Not to be disheartened Chad persevered and began texting Ashton every day, sending her songs and creating a playlist called Ash. Chad would add songs to this playlist based on the vibes he was feeling in hopes that they could both listen and grow closer together. Texts turned to FaceTimes and the playlist would grow to over 436 songs before their first date! Finally, June 1, 2018 Chad and Ashton went on their first date. Chad will never forget picking her up at her parent’s house that day and how beautiful she looked in her polka dot dress. The evening was a surprise and Ashton had no idea what was planned. Kevin was the theme that evening. First they went to Kevin’s Bistro for gourmet Mac and Cheese. I mean who crushes Old Dutch Salt and Vinegar potato chips on Mac and Cheese? The answer is, everyone should! Plus with no salads on the menu, Ashton had to participate. This was followed by Kevin Hart at the MTS Center! What an amazing night filled with laughter and getting to know one another on a deeper level. This was the beginning of a true long-distance relationship and playlist number two was created, how original, it was called Ash II. Over the next 4 years Chad and Ashton would travel to be with one another whether it was to meet up in Minneapolis or go on an adventure to St Maarten and Anguilla. Any free time they had, they spent together. Ashton even surprised Chad at his sister Shayna’s wedding in Mexico to celebrate love while falling even more in love with each other!

Oh no, I forgot to mention one of the most important trips of all…New York City. New York, New York, somewhere Ashton had always wanted to go! Chad and Ashton had a wonderful trip planned and this time there was an even bigger surprise in store! Little did Ashton know Chad had a big question to ask with something very special in his carry-on bag. Months earlier, Chad had already asked Ashton’s parents for their blessing during a dinner at his place. James, being a man of few words, said “of course” then headed back to enjoying the steak on his plate, while both Denise and Kim began tearing up. With Chad being the planner that he is, he rehearsed the words he wanted to say and he chose Central Park as the perfect location as it was large enough that he could find somewhere quiet. I guess Chad forgot this was NYC and people are everywhere. As Chad and Ashton walked through Central Park and slight panic started to ensue, they entered the large opening of Sheep Meadow. This was his chance! All of a sudden they were all alone, people nowhere to be seen. Chad got down on one knee and asked Ashton if she would be his forever! She said YES! The champagne popped and then commenced the most wonderful celebration of love in the city of dreams. The night ended with a dance in the middle of Times Square announcing their engagement to all their friends and family! So who is ready to celebrate with them?! Chad and Ashton couldn’t be more excited and hope along with their families that you will join them for their wedding in December 2023 in Punta Cana.