On November 2nd at 4:52 p.m., we matched on the online dating platform Bumble. Alianna messaged Benjamin right away and patiently waited for a reply. Benjamin, seeing the message, thought, “I’m sure this can wait,” and wisely left her on read for 4 hours before responding. However, once he responded, the two started having vibrant conversations, and Benjamin felt like this really could be the one. He asked to meet her in person, and on November 7th, the two sat down outside Caffè Nero in Andover, MA. Alianna thought it would be a quick date, maybe an hour or so. An hour passed, and then another, and another, and it was not until the sun had sunk low in the autumn sky that they realized they had chatted the day away. It was not long after that they became a couple officially. After four years together, Alianna said to Benjamin, “You know, I don’t think you can surprise me.” Benjamin then took it upon himself to plan the most surprising proposal of all time. In March 2025, Benjamin told Alianna that he entered a steps competition hosted by the Columbia University Engineering School. “I could win a gift card to a fancy restaurant if I out-step all of my co-workers,” Benjamin lied, but Alianna was none the wiser, as her office in the Law School had a very similar program. On June 4th, Benjamin told Alianna that he’d won a gift card to an expensive steakhouse. “We’ll be going tomorrow night, so be sure to dress nicely! That white dress you have would be perfect!” The next day, after work, Benjamin told Alianna to meet him in the Columbia chapel before they went to dinner. “I have to set up for an event that we are doing in there,” he lied again. “We’ll go to dinner after I finish up.” It was a sweltering hot day in the city. Temperatures were over 85 degrees, which did not help Benjamin’s efforts to stay sweat-free before the big moment. It also didn’t help that he had been standing outside waiting for Alianna to show up for 15 minutes. She had texted, “I’m on my way!” 20 minutes ago. From her office to the big steps where Benjamin was waiting only took 4 minutes to reach, and yet she had not appeared. Benjamin had texted her, “Are you close?” 10 minutes ago and was now unsure of what to do next. “If I keep texting, perhaps she’ll become suspicious,” he thought, “I should act nonchalant. But then again, she’s never taken this long before. Maybe she’s already figured it out! Maybe something terrible has happened! I should call!” Meanwhile, Alianna had been casually chatting with her co-workers in her office. They were laughing the day away when her phone rang. “Oh hi, babe,” Alianna answered. “...Yes, I’m just talking with the ladies in registration, I’ll leave now.” She hangs up. “Oh look at the time. I suppose I should be going now.” Alianna chatted for about 5 more minutes before leaving. When she finally reached the steps, Benjamin led Alianna toward the chapel. The inside of the chapel is beautiful. It has a stunning domed roof that rises 91 feet and is flanked on all sides by stained glass and candle chandeliers. While Alianna stood in amazement at the ceiling, Benjamin snuck away to grab a dozen white roses and a small ring box. He called her attention down to him, opened the ring box, and asked her the big question. Alianna cried and said yes, and she admitted that she was very surprised. They then went downtown to a steakhouse for dinner. The host said they had a very special table for them and led them up a tall stairwell. “We just got engaged today!” Alianna told the host. “Wow, that’s so exciting!” the host replied. “Right in here.” SURPRISE! A bunch of Benjamin and Alianna’s family and friends were waiting to surprise them. Benjamin had set the whole thing up, and Alianna was surprised again. They are so excited to get married and to celebrate with all of you. They feel so honored by the support that each and every one of you has shown them throughout the years, and they can’t wait for you to share in their big day.