Some higher power... whether that be an Entity or Gaia herself... knew from an early stage that Fotis and Ashley shared an intertwined fate. Meeting in high school, they discovered that their houses were down the road from one another, despite not living remotely close to their school. They shared years of friendship not only during high school, but continued through the years after with Fotis always showing up in some some new vehicle to take Ash on an adventure for a day.

Ashley got to know the Sirilas family and realized quickly how hospitable and fun-loving they were; while Fotis remained reluctant of his future father-in-law who only knew him as the "Loud Car Guy". Little did he know they would eventually become BFFs with a bond so tight that Fotis even has a custom pair of socks with Shawn Schafers face pasted all over them (thank you Crystal Schafer).

Through years of building, maintaining and at times trekking through their friendship with one another, they met in early 2021 on a frigidly cold walk by Lake Ontario to catch up on life after the infamous COVID pandemic. On that walk, they picked up where the left off, as usual, but this time each being in a place where they could inspire and share more with one another.

This became evident quickly, and despite years of pushing aside some stronger force, they finally opened their hearts and minds to have faith there was a reason their paths kept crossing. As many of you know, when Ashley and Fotis feel passionately about something they both will find a way to attain and even exceed their expectations... and that is exactly what happened in their love story that continues to grow and blossom every day!