Ashleigh and Gael’s story began in the summer of 2019.

Attending neighboring schools—Damien High for boys and St. Lucy’s for girls—they rarely crossed paths except through their shared track team. Ashleigh couldn’t resist reaching out to the cute, mysterious guy who was part of both the track and football teams. At St. Lucy’s, all anyone knew about Gael was how attractive he was.

When it came to Ashleigh, Gael saw her as the most dedicated and hardworking athlete on the team. An underclassman shining on both the varsity tennis and track teams, she was a true star. Her confidence and focus caught the attention of many boys on the team, but it also left them too intimidated to approach her. Gael was no exception—he admired her from afar but never found the words to ask her out.

Little did they know, their paths would one day lead them to share the sacrament of marriage.

For those who know Gael, it’s no secret he’s a bit of a nerd—equally passionate about sports and gaming with his friends. So, when he received a message from “Ashleigh,” he was caught off guard and, naturally, continued his video game session before eventually replying.

Their connection blossomed, moving from the “talking stage” to the “dating stage,” and on September 10, 2019, Ashleigh and Gael officially became a couple.

In those early days, their dates required parental chauffeurs—they weren’t even old enough to drive! While this might have been a challenge for most, it allowed them to form close relationships with each other’s families, something they cherish to this day.

Some may have doubted their young love, but Ashleigh knew Gael was “the one” by December 22, 2019. Just days earlier, Gael met most of Ashleigh’s family at a holiday gathering. Nervous but determined to make a great impression, Gael fell even more in love as he watched Ashleigh interact with her family with warmth and joy. In that moment, he knew she was perfect and the person he wanted by his side forever.

Their shared track experience became a cornerstone of their bond, from private hurdle sessions to being each other’s favorite training partner. Though Gael never tried on a checkered skirt, their inseparability only paused when they went to their respective schools.

Their young love endured the challenges of the pandemic, with virtual Netflix parties replacing in-person dates. They tackled the difficulties of long-distance college life by building relationships within each other’s communities. From Ashleigh painting “BULLDOGS” on Gael and his friends during UoR Homecoming to Gael joining Ashleigh and her friends for beach days, their connection only deepened.

Through every challenge, they adapted with love, patience, and an unwavering commitment to keeping God at the center of their relationship.

Now, after years of shared memories, laughter, and growth, Ashleigh and Gael are ready to take the next step. They’ll be tying the knot on National Slushy Day—a sweet and playful reminder of the joy they bring to each other’s lives.

Q + A

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