While we’re both proud alumni of Villanova University, it wasn’t until November 2018 that we first met, and like any modern day love story, it all started thanks to social media. From Alison sending Ben an Instagram friend request, to Ben playing it cool and responding within 30 seconds, it was only a matter of days before we agreed to meet at a Speakeasy in the West Village where “let's meet for a drink” turned into 5 hours of conversation and the start of a beautiful, unexpected, love journey together. Several years later, we have gone from dating in New York City, to becoming slightly obsessive dog parents, living together in Brooklyn and exploring every restaurant, bar, and park in sight. Then, come March 26th, 2021, Ben drove us out to Montauk for what was framed as a relaxing weekend getaway. That Friday evening, as the rain and fog cleared, Ben brought us to the Montauk Lighthouse where he got down on one knee, and we started on an even more exciting journey than either one of us could have ever imagined.

Given the last 365+ days of social distancing, limited travel, and Zoom calls instead of in-person introductions, we thought we would share a bit of background on ourselves for those of you we haven’t had the chance to meet or chat with yet. Alison was born on Long Island and spent all of her childhood there - from dealing with the tragedy of 9/11 to becoming part of a blended family, Rockville Centre, NY is home. Alison attended Villanova University but found her way back to NY for law school, where she graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 2018. For the past 3 years, Alison has been working at KPMG in the Financial Crimes group, spending time with her immediate family of 7 and eating her way through NYC. Favorite Meal - Homemade spaghetti and meatballs Favorite Things to Do - Riding her peloton, trying new restaurants, and online shopping Ask Alison About - running the Chicago marathon, tearing her ACL her first time skiing, and her golden doodle Philly With a French dad (Pierre) and American mom (Melissa), Ben was born in Paris and spent most of his childhood moving back and forth between America and France, ultimately moving back to the States to attend Villanova University. Ben spent the first few years out of college working in Management Consulting in the Philadelphia area and getting his MBA at Drexel University. For the last 6 years, Ben has lived in New York, working in Finance at NBCUniversal. Ben’s older brother, Stephan, lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Chelsea, and 3 incredible daughters (Emma, Lizzie, AJ). Some fun facts about Ben… Favorite Meal – Ribeye steak & a dirty martini Favorite Thing to Do – Watch (complain about) Philadelphia sports Ask Ben About – Herding sheep with Tibetan Monks in China, ‘Cats by a Billion’, the latest binge-worthy TV show