Jay
LaValley and Ashley Grimes
If you ask Jay LaValley what
quality he loves most about
his future wife, Ashley Grimes,
he will say “her kindness.
Ashley is a teacher and loses
sleep at night because she
cares so much about each and
every one of her students.”
When asked the same question
about Jay, surprisingly Ashley
will give the same answer.
“Jay is the most kind and
giving person I know.” Indeed,
Ashley and Jay are exceptionally
kind, caring and special.
However, this is not what
sets them apart from other
engaged couples. This pair
has been through times of
tremendous happiness, as well
as deep sorrow. Through thick
and thin, Ashley and Jay’s
relationship has flourished
and they have so much to celebrate
on November 6, 2010 when they
take their vows at Groveland
Fairways.
Ashley and Jay’s Story
Ashely and Jay didn't fall
in love like typical high
school sweet hearts. At 16,
Ashley was very nervous to
go out with Jay. Jay was Ashley's
older brother's friend and
it was Jay who had to do the
convincing. Jay stole Ashley's
brother's phone to call Ashley
one New Years, and she admits
she "probably would have been
too shy to pick up the phone
if it hadn't been disguised
as her brother's number."
Jay was Ashley's first real
date, first kiss and first
(and last!) love. In fact,
while laughing, Ashley confesses
“I think bringing Jay into
my life is the best thing
my brother has ever done for
me!”
The couple dated through high
school and college, seeing
each other as much as they
could while finishing up their
studies. Finally, after seven
years of dating, Jay decided
to pop the question. “4th
of July is a big deal in my
family,” says Ashley. “Each
year we all get together and
have a big volleyball tournament
and do all sorts of other
activities. Last year, though,
I got sick and couldn’t participate
in any of it. Jay was really
excited to propose to me on
the 4th, but since I was sick
he waited until July 5th to
take me up to the top of Powow
Hill in Amesbury. The scene
was set – a beautiful night
and fireworks – Jay got down
on one knee and proposed.
It was amazing.”
When retelling the beloved
engagement story, Ashley does
not hesitate to tell the funny
points too, like the fact
that both her and Jay were
getting eaten alive by mosquitoes,
and that Jay all but had a
third degree sun burn from
the volleyball tournament
the day before! “Everyone
thinks the story is so romantic
until I tell them these amusing
tidbits,” laughs Ashley.
Shortly after they got engaged,
though, doctors discovered
Jay had a brain tumor. This
heart-wrenching diagnosis
lead to Jay and Ashley spending
months in the hospital. Although
this was a very tough time
for the them, Ashley remembers
feeling lucky for being able
to be with Jay through it
all. “Most of the people in
the hospital had visitors
coming in and out, but Jay
had a permanent roommate,
me” says Ashley.
Jay had his last treatment
in February and both he and
Ashley are focusing on a more
joyful upcoming event - their
wedding. Jay and Ashley were
chosen as the winners of the
Reason To Give Wedding Giveaway.
This wedding giveaway offers
them a chance for a fresh
start, without the burden
of financial limitations.
The publicity surrounding
the Reason To Give wedding
giveaway has altered the conversations
Ashley and Jay are having
with friends and family. “Instead
of everyone asking ‘how are
you holding up? People are
asking ‘how are the wedding
plans going?’” This is a welcomed
change for the couple and
they are so thankful to all
of the Reason To Give wedding
vendors, including Bella Sera
Bridal, for giving them this
wonderful gift. Heidi and
Lisa of Bella Sera Bridal
wish Ashley and Jay a fun,
cheerful engagement and a
long, happy marriage!
