Crawford and Ashleigh met during football season at the University of Alabama when Ashleigh was a senior and Crawford was starting his MBA program. On September 30th, Alabama was playing Mississippi State in Starkville, but Crawford made a last-minute decision to stay in Tuscaloosa instead. That night, Ashleigh and her roommate went to Innisfree, where Crawford happened to be with his dog, Buck. Being the dog lover she is, Ashleigh immediately walked over to pet him.

After exchanging names and a little small talk, the two went about their nights until Ashleigh noticed Buck panting and his water bowl empty. She went back to the bar to grab water for him, which quickly caught Crawford’s attention. The two ended up talking until the bar closed, spending four hours realizing just how much they had in common — from fitness and family to cooking, dogs, and their Catholic faith. The next morning they grabbed coffee, followed by their first date that Monday night. By Thursday, Crawford had invited Ashleigh to his MBA date party, and from there, the two were inseparable.

Not long after they met, Crawford invited Ashleigh on what he called a “paid hunting brand trip” to Arkansas. Growing up, Ashleigh had never really been around hunting, fishing, or the outdoors and honestly thought Crawford was completely not her type — but somehow, she couldn’t get enough of him. As it turns out, the “brand trip” was never actually paid at all. Crawford had planned the trip himself because he didn’t think Ashleigh would agree to go otherwise.

The weekend ended up being one of their favorite memories together. It rained the entire time, and they spent the weekend cooking, playing games, laughing nonstop, and enjoying each other’s company. On a rainy October evening, October 27th, while cooking steaks together in the kitchen, Crawford officially asked Ashleigh to be his girlfriend.

Over the years, their relationship continued to grow through every season of life. After graduation, Ashleigh moved to Tampa for graduate school while Crawford remained in Alabama to finish his MBA. Although two years of long distance came with challenges, the Lord continually strengthened their relationship through patience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to one another. Through every goodbye, every long drive, and every season apart, they always knew they were building a future together.

Today, Crawford and Ashleigh are living in Orange Beach with their two dogs, Buck and Banks, building a life rooted in faith, love, laughter, and the simple things they cherish most. They feel endlessly grateful for the family and friends who have supported them along the way and cannot wait to celebrate the beginning of forever surrounded by the people they love most.