We met on Monday, August 22nd, of 2022. It was the new students’ orientation day for the Georgetown Department of Government, sweltering hot, and the start of a new chapter. With the both of us being introverted and studious, however, it took the better part of a month for the us to actually have a conversation in length. It started, of all things, over a project for the school. From there, necessity quickly transformed into serendipity.

Though we were both cautious, though we were both unversed, Love was something that blossomed quickly and irrepressibly. Every moment seemed like a little bit of forever, but days turned to weeks turned to months in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Life together was adventure and tranquility and everything in between.

It somehow seemed that we had known each other forever. Like two puzzle pieces that slot together, there was never any doubt that whatever the future held, we would walk through it at each other’s side. Whether it was tramping together through the desert, delving into places old and new, or learning the ways of our respective families, we learned and grew with each other every day.

Love may not be easy, but loving each other certainly was. Together, we ventured through the trials and tribulations of Georgetown and took our first steps into the professional world through summer internships. Together, we explored the streets and pastimes of Washington D.C., a city that shall now and forever be our first home as a pair. There was much to learn, much to endure, much to enjoy, and it was ours.

As our time in Georgetown drew nearer and nearer towards its completion, questions and worries of the future naturally rose in turn. What would the days and weeks after graduation look like? For how long would we have to separate towards our respective families? What would our path into the future look like? Amid all these uncertainties, however, there was one arching, absolute truth: we would face it as one.

Much to our woe, we met the new year apart. The time and distance were difficult. It was a period we would never willingly care to repeat, but endure it we did. Our reunion was eventful, to say the least, filled with decision and change. In February, we put together our applications as officers of the United States Navy. On April 25th, we were officially engaged. And so, our vision of the future slowly, steadily took shape.

Being in limbo is never a pleasant thing. As we awaited the Navy over the course of the 2024th year, we found ourselves in a period of simply waiting. Without truly knowing when the call from our recruiter would arrive, we would focus on staying busy and spending time with our loved ones until the next Navy board in August. As you might imagine, waiting for one’s life to begin is a rather restless endeavor, but at least we were waiting together.

The funny thing about this wedding is that we didn’t even know if we could actually go ahead with it. If the Navy came back and required shipping off for training in October, there would be nothing else for it but to postpone. As it so happened, however, the Navy did get back and did so with happy news. On September 5th and October 4th, Ashley and Alex (respectively) were accepted as Officer Candidates with ship out dates for the end of year. With this joyous result, the wedding could officially go on as planned.

Whatever way one looks at it, the future holds many possibilities and uncertainties. It can never be taken for granted, and we know to carry forth these lessons into the future.

Now, it is time to celebrate as this future begins taking shape. A wedding is to be had, and a love is to be celebrated.

After so long waiting and so much up in the air, we are honored to have the opportunity to share this news to celebrate with the most important people in our lives. Family, friends, mentors… in many ways we may never have gotten this far without you all. We are, and always shall be, lucky and grateful to have you.

That, more or less, brings our story to the present day. It has been a truly monumental and, at times, difficult year. Yet with each difficulty there have come great achievements, great progress, and tremendous cause for joy. From little things like getting a driver’s license, to milestones such as our upcoming 2-year anniversary on September 29th, to grand successes such as with the Navy, this year has been a culmination of many things. We can’t wait to share and celebrate them in your company!

With all the love and gratitude in the world, we are beyond excited to see you soon!