Adrian and Ashley Brambila

Adrian Brambila's (C'11) first visit to the University of Dubuque was led by Jason Berna, head women's soccer coach, as he was being recruited to play soccer. He remembers the snow and cold weather, which stood out to him coming from California.

As Adrian attended school, he discovered his passion for business and dancing. During his junior year, he auditioned to be a backup dancer for Grammy Award-winning artist T-Pain and earned a spot on the tour. Thanks to the flexibility of UD and his professors, Adrian was able to go on tour and continue his studies during the second semester of junior year. 

Following the tour, Adrian remained deeply engaged on campus, participating in men's soccer, serving in student government, working as a student ambassador, being recognized as a Wendt Character Scholar, and founding the Hip-Hop Club. He completed a bachelor of arts in business administration in 2011.

Ashley Barwick (C'13) was also brought to campus after Coach Berna recruited her to play soccer. Being from Wisconsin, Ashley loved the chance to remain close to home to continue her academic and athletic career. 

During her time at UD, Ashley stayed involved on campus. She was a three-sport athlete, competing in women's soccer, women's basketball, and women's track and field. She was also a Wendt Character Scholar, a member of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Accounting Club, served as a peer tutor, and was the editor in chief for The Belltower. 

Ashley recalls being unsure of what major she wanted to pursue until taking an accounting class with Dennis George, associate professor of business, which set her on her career trajectory. She earned a bachelor of business administration and accounting in 2013. 

Little did Coach Berna know that his recruiting efforts would change more than the roster but would also lead two student-athletes to find the love of their lives.

Adrian and Ashley's paths crossed repeatedly through sports and clubs, but their story began unexpectedly. During warmups for an away soccer game, Ashley was hit in the head and suffered a concussion. Adrian volunteered to stay on the bus with her while their teammates grabbed dinner after the games. They recall having their first real conversation then.

Not long after, Adrian asked Ashley on an official date. They went to Little Tokyo in Galena, Illinois. Adrian remembers saving up for that date, wanting to make it a special night for Ashley. Ashley called her mom right after the date and said that she had met the man she would marry.

Their relationship continued to flourish through the years. Adrian admired Ashley's academic focus, while Ashley supported Adrian's creative pursuits. In fact, Ashley was the one who recorded Adrian's audition video that led to him touring with T-Pain. Even while on the road, they stayed connected and kept each other grounded.

They recall many fun moments in college, including accidentally spoiling the annual Easter Egg Hunt on campus.

"We noticed the eggs were put out late at night, so we started the hunt before many others even knew about it, which led to us winning all the biggest prizes," Adrian said, laughing. "After that, the whole approach to the hunt was changed forever!"

After graduation, Adrian stayed in Dubuque and worked at Prudential Retirement. He continued to dance locally and even built a YouTube channel dedicated to his dance passion. When Ashley graduated, the couple relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as Ashley began a career with Deloitte.

The next chapter of their story began in June 2014, amid a severe storm with tornado warnings. After hurrying home from work, Ashley darted through the house, determined to protect their home from the sudden flash flooding. She was also a bit flustered that Adrian seemed unaware of the chaos outside and had asked her to help record a video. She eventually agreed to assist unaware that Adrian was about to propose. Adrian played a song he had written for her, and within the lyrics asked her to marry him. She said yes.

Over the next year, the couple planned their special day at the place it all started, the University of Dubuque. They also had a special request for then UD President Jeffrey Bullock. They created a music video asking Bullock to officiate their ceremony, sent it off, and waited for his reply. He happily agreed, and the couple were wed on UD's campus on July 18, 2015, in Blades Chapel, Blades Hall. They were surrounded by family, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff, including Coach Berna. Their wedding party consisted of several UD alumni and a former staff member: Megan Hendler (Ex'13), Kelsey Goedert (C'12), Sarah Accacian, a former UD athletic trainer, Colin Brice (C'11, MBA'20), and Rico Anzoategui (C'10). Before heading to their reception at Stone Cliff Winery, the new husband and wife took photos across campus, including on Oyen Filed, where so many memories were made.

A few years later, Ashley accepted an international assignment in Ireland through Deloitte while Adrian continued to build his online media presence. This experience broadened their horizons so much so that upon returning to the U.S. in January of 2020, they decided to convert a van into their home and travel the country.

They began capturing content of their life, taking advantage of Adrian's creative vision and Ashley's accounting and operational expertise. After visiting Austin, Texas, they knew they found a place to call home. Today, they continue building their content creation venture, Bramify, and enjoy working side-by-side.

Recently, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, a journey that has been filled with profound joy and heartbreaking loss. Two years ago, Adrian and Ashley faced the unimaginable with the passing of their first child, Catalina. Seeking a place where they could process their grief and begin to heal, Adrian and Ashley traveled to Japan. The country's quiet temples, serene landscapes, and culture of intentional reflection offered them a sense of comfort they had struggled to find elsewhere. Their time there became a meaningful chapter, one that allowed them to hold Catalina close while finding hope for the future.

In May 2025, their daughter Estella arrived, filling their home with new light and joy. Her birth brought renewed purpose to their family's story, honoring the past while celebrating the future. To commemorate these intertwined milestones, the memory of Catalina, the arrival of Estella, and their decade of marriage, Adrian and Ashley plan to return to Japan this year. For them, it is more than a trip; it is a pilgrimage of gratitude, remembrance, and celebration. Their hope is to continue building traditions that honor their family's full journey, carrying both their daughters with them in all they do.