While Aaron was in Ukraine, he sent out a message on a St. Louis social group page. He was asking for a conversation, just to help relieve a little of the 24 hour staff duty torture. Ashley took a chance, and let him get a way with an initial “How you doin”, with an eye roll and a smile. A casual Facebook message turned into hours of messaging and video conversations (sometimes talking for more then 6 hours at a time!) while Aaron was overseas. They shared their history, thoughts on life, and wants for the future, over the next 5 months and from half a world apart. When Aaron returned home from his deployment, Ashley wasn’t able to pick him up from the airport, but she drove 4 hours to see him race, and take part in his first weekend back in Illinois. It was clear from their first full day home, the lives they had talked about for months, were merging into a life together. God has a interesting way of leading you to the right person, and showing you what life should be like. #believeinthesunrise

Time for a vacation to Florida, to spend time with Aaron’s family! Aaron, very sneakily, had the ring on him at all times, waiting for the best moment to "pop the question". The family decided to have a beach day at Siesta Key, for the beautiful ocean and white sand. Aaron, nervous as can be, asked Ashley to go for a walk on the beach together, to take in the ocean. Seizing the moment, he told Ashley he was going to find someone to take a picture of them together, so it wasn’t all selfies for the day. While Ashley looked out at the water, Aaron handed his phone off to a set of nice older women, whispering “I’m going to ask her to marry me, will you take a video and pictures?” The women were ecstatic to oblige! Once a few pictures were taken, Ashley pulled away, ready to walk back. Aaron grabbed Ashley’s hand and asked “ Are you sure you want to be my forever?” Ashley’s response… “What are you about to do?" Without skipping a beat, Aaron got on one knee and asked Ashley to marry him. With tears in her eyes, she had the right answer this time. SHE SAID YES!