The Blade, Futrell ~ Smith Ashley Ann Futrell and Nathaniel Smith are delighted to announce their engagement and upcoming nuptials. They became engaged on Valentine's Day in 2014. The bride-to-be, 30, is a native of Toledo, Ohio. She is currently a juris doctor candidate at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelor's degree from The American University, in Washington, D.C. and her master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. Previously, she served as one of the youngest legislative directors in the United States House of Representatives. She is the daughter of Donna J. Stevens of Kittredge, Colo. and Joseph Clyde Hughes Jr. of Lafayette, Ind. The groom-to-be, 30, is a native of Greenville, S.C. He works in New York City as an associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. He earned his bachelor's degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and received a law degree from Yale Law School. Previously, he was an associate at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP and served as a law clerk to United States District Judge Catherine Eagles. He is the son of Wilhelmena Bowling Smith and Fletcher N. Smith, Jr., both of Greenville, S.C. The couple is planning a spring wedding in 2015 in Greenville, S.C.