Shivangi Sinha
TLC’s ‘90 Day Fiancé’ has featured numerous couples navigating different stages of their romantic journeys, but one thing they all share is the unique challenge of the K-1 visa process. It requires the foreign partner to marry their American fiancé within 90 days of entering the US. In Season 10, Ashley and Manuel were also at this critical juncture, but unlike many others, they had nearly seven years of history behind them. While many doubted their ability to overcome their differences, they proved the skeptics wrong by returning for season 8 of ‘90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?’ Despite facing new challenges, their journey showed that their love had endured and could stand the test of time.
Ashley and Manuel Were Engaged For Nearly a Decade Before Getting Married
Hailing from Rochester, New York, Ashley Michelle first met Manuel Vélez (also known as Jesus Negrito Velez Rojas) during a vacation to Ecuador while she was still a college student. Their story began at a New Year’s Eve party, where a spontaneous dance quickly sparked a connection. What followed was a whirlwind romance and within just a week, the two were engaged. While their decision seemed rushed to everyone around them, Ashley and Manuel felt certain they had made the right choice. They maintained a long-distance engagement for seven years before Manuel eventually moved to the US on a K-1 visa. Reuniting after so many years apart wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest tensions between them centered around finances.
Ashley struggled with the fact that Manuel, who appeared to be unemployed, was regularly sending money back to his family in Ecuador. Meanwhile, he expressed discomfort with Ashley’s profession as a self-described “witch,” something that clashed with his devout Catholic upbringing. There were also unresolved issues involving Manuel’s two sons from a previous relationship, as Ashley had yet to meet them, and this caused emotional strain. In addition, Manuel was taken aback to learn about Ashley’s lingering debt, which she had not disclosed earlier. Despite these hurdles, the couple made the effort to work through their issues. They attended counseling together and took steps toward greater transparency and understanding. The couple tied the knot on September 9, 2022. Surrounded by friends and family, Ashley and Manuel said “I do” and began the next chapter of their love story.
Ashley and Manuel are in a Happy and Successful Marriage
Many doubted whether Ashley and Manuel’s relationship would stand the test of time. Frequent arguments and a tendency to keep secrets from each other sparked concern among viewers and fans. Speculation intensified when Ashley made a playful comment suggesting that if things didn’t work out with Manuel, she might date fellow star Jasmine Pineda. While the internet took the remark seriously, it turned out to be a joke that was taken out of context. In reality, Ashley and Manuel have remained committed to each other and continue to grow stronger as a couple. They are each other’s biggest supporters, celebrating every milestone and challenge together.
When Ashley underwent a noticeable physical transformation and lost a significant amount of weight, rumors began circulating that her personal goals for 2025 no longer aligned with Manuel’s. She quickly shut down the speculation by posting a video of the two working out side by side, captioned, “You know what they say about a couple who trains together,” reassuring fans that they were very much in sync. These days, the couple is often spotted at the gym together, embracing fitness as a shared lifestyle. Ashley even traveled to Ecuador at the end of 2024. Their dog, Rico Suave, has also become incredibly dear to Manuel and from the outside looking in, the couple’s life appears not only well-balanced but thriving.
Ashley and Manuel Have Prioritized Their Physical Wellness
Since her physical transformation, Ashley has fully embraced the fitness lifestyle and now works as a training instructor, offering coaching and guidance to others on their wellness journeys. With a well-established digital presence and over 114,000 followers, she has secured brand affiliations with companies like Buff Bunny Collection, 1UP Nutrition, and Drips Spa. Ashley promotes a holistic approach to health, believing that physical wellness should go hand in hand with spiritual growth. Her journey has inspired many, and she’s even competed in bodybuilding competitions and has shown both discipline and strength.
Manuel, too, has found motivation through Ashley’s dedication. Often seen working out alongside her, he continues to support her goals while pursuing his own. According to reports, he’s currently working in construction and remains deeply rooted in his values, with family being his top priority. Whether it’s spending quality time together or traveling to see relatives in Ecuador, the couple appears to have struck a balance that works well for them.
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