Wedding Date on Sep 22, 2018

How They Met: It all started on a humid September night in 2013, that also happened to be Friday the 13th. Ansley and her friends were at Blackfinn in D.C. for one of those free happy hours that everybody "wins." Tommy just happened to be at the same bar to send his friend, Jamil, off to Spain for a year of teaching English abroad. Ansley was talking with her friends and having an adult beverage (or two) when all of a sudden her friend, Melissa, grabbed her arm forcefully and dragged her towards the entrance of the bar. While guiding Ansley through the crowded bar by her hand Melissa said, "I have the perfect guy for you! You have to meet him!" Ansley had no time to react before she was pushed in front of a tall, handsome young man. Melissa said, "This is my friend Tommy. We went to high school together." She turned towards Tommy and explained, "Ansley is my little sister from our sorority. You guys should talk!" Tommy and Ansley shook hands politely and stared blankly at each other wondering what to do next. Thankfully, the adult beverages helped to make starting a conversation much less awkward. They spent the entire night talking and getting to know each other. Ansley's friend, Rachael, who was staying in her apartment that night came over and asked if they could go since it had gotten very late. Tommy will say the two shared a kiss and exchanged phone numbers before Ansley's departure. He will also say that Ansley texted him first that night. Ansley does not recall the text message in question. She had a hard time remembering the mysterious and handsome stranger's name the next morning. After confirming his name with Melissa the next day, the texting began. It is still up for debate as to who actually initiated the conversation. Tommy asked Ansley to go on a proper date the following Tuesday at a local restaurant, Rock Bottom Brewery. The restaurant was within walking distance of both Tommy and Ansley's apartments, so Tommy walked to "pick up" Ansley and they walked to dinner together. Tommy failed to mention before ordering an IPA beer that he had given blood that day. After one beer, Tommy was a little tipsy and had to explain that it was only because he had donated blood. Ansley understood and even admired his good deed. After the first date, the deal was sealed. The two spent practically every weekend together and saw each other most nights after work. The relationship blossomed and they moved in together in March of 2016. Shortly after, they decided to get a puppy, Rex, who was adopted in May of 2016. THE PROPOSAL: Tommy schemed with the MOHs, Brittany and Alex, to do the impossible and trick Ansley. Alex pretended that she needed a dog to pose in a photo shoot for her wedding planning business. Naturally, Ansley was more than excited for Rex to be even more famous and quickly agreed. The photo shoot would take place at Tudor Place, a historic mansion, in Georgetown. Alex added that Ansley and Tommy should come dressed up and she would get a few pictures of the family as a thank you for Rex participating. While Ansley knew that the proposal would be coming soon, she didn't expect for it to be that day since her Mother had told her they would be out of town. On the day of the photo shoot Ansley, Tommy, and Rex arrived at Tudor Place and were greeted in the parking lot by an assistant who said, "Oh you must be here for the photo shoot! Follow me!" Ansley quickly followed her, eager to get started. As they walked in Tommy shouted, "Look who's here!" Ansley looked across the gardens to find her parents, Brittany, Jon, Tommy's parents, Tommy's sister, and brother-in-law under a pergola. At that moment Tommy got down on one knee. Once Tommy confirmed that Ansley had actually said "yes", he got up, and they shared an embrace while their families clapped and cheered. The proposal was followed by a champagne toast and a photo shoot of the family, including Rex. Even though it wasn't the wedding-themed photo shoot she expected, Ansley got a photo shoot, a ring, and most importantly a fiancé! Tommy had one more surprise up his sleeve. All of their friends and family were waiting at Tommy Joe's to celebrate the occasion. The day ended perfectly and was a fabulous start to this new chapter in their relationship.