We met in January 2022, when Taso was living and working in Pasadena and Ashley was in the middle of her master’s program at USC. From the start our connection felt effortless; we clicked instantly and could hardly stop talking. Our first date was meant to be later in the week, but waiting felt impossible, so we decided to go out spontaneously instead!

We ended up at a small pastry shop, choosing fruit tarts, tiramisu, and other sweet treats before driving to the Griffith Observatory to enjoy them while looking out over the lights of Los Angeles. That night began what we now call our tiramisu journey. Taso had never tried it before, but quickly became just as obsessed as Ashley, and ever since, it has become our little tradition to order it whenever we see it on the menu.

After finishing our pastries, we found a park bench where we settled in, letting the conversation flow as the night unfolded around us. At one point Ashley thought she saw two cats running through the bushes, only to later learn they were coyotes! Not ready for the evening to end, we made our way to Rodeo Drive, where we wandered past glowing designer windows and soaked in the sparkle of the city together.

That first date still reflects so much of who we are as a couple. We are happiest when we are exploring, trying new things, being a little silly, and turning small adventures into lasting memories. Some of our favorite moments together have been while traveling, wandering through a local market, picking up fruit, bread, olives, and wine, then finding a spot with a view to sit, share, and simply enjoy being together.

So when Taso proposed in December 2024 in Laguna Beach after one of our signature picnics overlooking the ocean, it was the sweetest surprise, and the perfect reflection of us.