The sun was beaming down perfectly on us, as we were soaking up the last of it’s rays before it was going to set. Providence, Rhode Islands very own Prospect Park was a must-go for Ashley + Mike’s engagement session, seeing how it was where Mike had asked her to be his girlfriend 8 years ago. 

They met in one of their classes while attending Rhode Island College (RIC). Through working together in class is where their friendship + relationship grew. Coincidentally enough, I was mutually great friends with a couple of Mike’s roommates, so their dorm suite became a hang out for us all. I still remember the early stages of dating for Ashley + Mike, so that’s why I may be a little extra excited for them!! 😊 

Mike proposed to Ashley while they were on a little getaway in the white mountains of NH (one of their favorite places to go together). Without her noticing, he found an old scrapbook he made for her years ago. He decided to update it and add more photos + memories the two of them had together. As they were reminiscing, turning each page in recollection of a fond memory together, the book finally came to an end. It was at the final page where Mike tucked away Ashley’s engagement ring + he asked for her hand in marriage. 😭✨💕

Ashley is Mike’s rock, who supports him in everything that he does. She is positive, motivating, family-oriented, loving, full of energy, a team player, caring, and has a good sense of humor. But most importantly, she let’s Mike play golf without complaining 😂! Regardless of any negative situation, Ashley always knows what to say to Mike to lift his spirits up + give him the right perspective. 

Ashley is so in love + attracted most to how caring, loving, and dedicated Michael is. She loves how hardworking he is at is job as a teacher and as a basketball coach. He motivates her to do good things and to make the best out of life. She admires him so much for the way that he cares and puts everyone else before himself. He is a such a positive person, always smiling (and she absolutely adores the smile of his). And of course, she absolutely loves how he loves her for who she is, not what she is not. He makes her feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in her own skin. Mike always puts her first and makes sure to support and be there for her no matter what. 

Ashley + Mike look forward to sooo many great things together! Being married is something they both have dreamed about since they were kids, and couldn’t be more excited to fulfill that dream TOGETHER. They look forward to continuing to learn more about each other every day, through life’s ups + downs. They are most excited to start a family together and to one day be able to share this exciting, beautiful, and memorable time with their children; in hopes of inspiring them to do the same when they grow up. They are pretty excited to be able to call one other husband and wife too!

When I asked them about what makes their relationship unique + special, I felt it was better + super sweet to quote them + let them speak for themselves: “The best thing about our relationship, is that we can be ourselves around each other. We don’t have to hide or pretend who we are. We accept our weaknesses and praise our strengths. We are the most comfortable when we are around each other. We deal with life’s struggles and life’s best moments together, and hold nothing back. We know that we can trust and be honest with each other, even if it may hurt. We tell each other everything. We laugh until it hurts because we think we are the funniest people on earth, and when we cry its always on each others shoulders. We don’t take each other for granted, but cherish every single moment in life, together as a couple. There is no one else we would rather be with other than one another to live this crazy thing called life, and that is truly so special to us.”

Ashley + Mike,

Thank you sooooo much for letting me be apart of this next chapter of your lives! It is evident that you both have learned so much already about what it takes to make a relationship + soon to be marriage, work. You both have such a great foundation built already of trust, respect, honesty, great listening + communication. Most importantly you both love + accept one another for who you are, allowing each other to be who God uniquely made you both to be. It’s a beautiful thing! And I am more than honored to be apart + document such a special + sacred day!!! So again, THANK YOU!

Much joy,

Charity HOPE