Larissa and William had a chance meeting in May 2021. Larissa had traveled down to Paducah, KY to do some hiking at Shawnee National Forest across the border in Illinois. Larissa and William met at a local bar, Night Moves, while listening to that night's band and quickly had a lot to discuss. As the evening was winding down, they parted ways, without exchanging phone numbers or any plans to see each other again. The following day after Larissa's hike, William and Larissa ran into each other again at Barrel and Bond in downtown Paducah. They recognized each other from the night before and picked up where they left off.

Larissa returned to Chicago and William and she began a long distance relationship. William and Larissa quickly realized that this relationship had long term potential and began making plans towards building a life together.

Shortly after they started dating, in October of 2021, William's mother (Vicki Lynn Pirtle) passed away suddenly and was followed by the loss of William's father Bill Ashley in April of 2022. These losses changed many of their plans but solidified their relationship.

On their second year anniversary, May 2023 William proposed to Larissa with the ring that belonged to his beloved Grandmother Arrie Lee Pirtle.

Through these hard times and others Larissa and William have been unwavering partners to each other through it all. No doubt these hardships have solidified the mutual love, respect and compassion for each other that have been foundational throughout their relationship.

As a couple Larissa and William spend most of their free time, restoring, repairing and maintaining the family home in Paducah that William inherited. Larissa has become an expert at picking up sticks in the 5 acre yard. When they can break away from the yard work, they go out on their kayaks as much as possible, or ride their scooters throughout downtown Paducah or work on photography together.