Clear Cut Couples: Ashlie and Doug

Ashlie and Doug both grew up in Miami Beach and went to Miami Beach Senior High. They had a few mutual friends and would end up at the same parties, but for the most part didn't spend much time together until years after graduation. They reconnected when Doug spent a summer home from college and their paths crossed again. That summer went by in slow motion and when it was time to go their separate ways, they never did. Since they always knew of each other, their first date didn’t really feel like one. They chatted in a parking lot by the beach and drank beers all night. They listened to music in his car and took turns picking out the next CD. It was special because it was just them. Ashlie said, “It was never hard loving Doug. Falling for him was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

They have been together 14 years and have shared countless memories since then! Their favorite memories are moving outside the country to St. Kitts together. They packed up their two dogs and two cats and moved away by themselves. It was such an adventure and really taught them to love and lean on each other. They spent their days diving with sharks and climbing volcanoes. It’s also where Doug went to vet school, so it was incredible watching him grow and learn. When they got back to the states, they spent a lot of time skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain-climbing, and of course, going to shows. When they’re not running marathons together or climbing mountains, you can catch them at a show!

Doug proposed on June 1, 2023. They were in Colorado climbing a 14er. It was and still is the most dangerous climbing they’ve ever experienced. They thought it being the middle of the summer would have guaranteed sunny weather and clear skies, but they were very wrong. Summer monsoons make Colorado climbing very dangerous and they didn’t realize how dangerous this climb ended up being. They climbed in a blizzard for hours before getting to the summit. When they finally made it to the top, Doug proposed. When she said yes to being his wife, she was also saying yes to letting someone share the lead in her life, and that was something she needed more than ever that day. When the blizzard hit, they were at the top of the summit and had nowhere to go. Ashlie couldn’t see her hand in front of her face and feared that any step could lead her off the side of the mountain and be her last. She said, “I truly don’t know how we made it down that mountain that day. But I know that it was Doug who took my hand and guided me, every step of the way.”

They should not have made it to the top of Torrey’s peak that day. The weather was horribly dangerous and there is no place for pride on a mountain. They didn’t see a single other hiker the entire day and they had climbed enough to know that they weren’t supposed to be there. Ashlie even said to Doug a couple times, let’s stop, and he would not give up. No matter what. Now she knows why… he was determined to propose to her up there no matter what it would take. 

Ashlie was completely surprised when they got to the top and he kneeled down with the ring. First of all, she was instantly petrified that her frozen stiff fingers were going to drop the ring immediately! When she saw it shining with all the white snow in the background, she was completely in love. Knowing that the ring had been with them the whole time, and experienced that deathly adventure made it even more perfect. It was a true symbol of their love, and it made it all the way to the top of 14,000 feet with them. The ring was just beautiful and it actually took her mind off of the fact that they now had to figure out how to get off this mountain completely blind. She didn’t actually put it on because her fingers were so frozen stiff that she couldn’t even try. Doug put it back into his bag while they made their journey back down. When they finally got back to the bottom, they were so thankful to be alive. He pulled out the ring and she couldn’t stop smiling.

They got married on April 7, 2024. They both love pop punk and emo music and so they had a Warped Tour themed wedding complete with mosh pit. It was in St. Petersburg, Florida and it was a dream!

Photos by: @emilydawnphoto