Ben and Allie’s story began in May of 2022 through mutual friends Kyle and Hunter, as well as Allie’s brother Justin. At the time, Allie was working at Westridge Recreation Center, where Ben frequently came to work out. Over time, the two got to know each other well and would often spend time talking during Allie’s shifts. What started as casual conversations quickly turned into something much more. Their first date took place on a hiking trail near Ben’s apartment in Lone Tree, Colorado, while Allie was home from college at the end of her freshman year. That summer was filled with countless dates and adventures together. Some of their favorite memories included going on hikes, making coffee runs to Dutch Bros, and trying new restaurants around town. In August 2022, Allie returned to Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Even though they were doing long distance, Ben made frequent weekend trips to visit her. Allie loved showing him around Fort Collins and sharing some of her favorite spots, including Horsetooth Reservoir, Downtown Fort Collins and Walrus Ice Cream. After a few months apart, Ben decided to move to Fort Collins in March of 2023. Being just a few minutes apart allowed them to spend nearly every day together and helped strengthen their relationship even more. In August of 2023, Ben moved in with Allie and her best friend Abby at their townhouse in Fort Collins. Abby was nice enough to put up with living with Ben, and the three of them created so many fun memories together during that season of life. After Allie graduated from CSU in December of 2024, the couple decided to move back closer to their hometown of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. They were excited to be near family and friends again while also being closer to the city of Denver, which they had both missed. Allie began working as a teacher at The Goddard School, while Ben continued commuting to Loveland for his job at Blue Federal Credit Union. The two moved back into the same apartment community Ben had once lived in — The Marq at RidgeGate — where they loved spending evenings relaxing at the pool and hot tub. A few months later, they decided their little family needed one more member and adopted the sweetest kitty, Whiskers. She quickly brought even more love, fun, and chaos into their lives. At the beginning of 2025, Ben knew he wanted to become a financial advisor. The journey required multiple exams, certifications, and licenses, along with finding a company closer to home. Ben had promised himself that he would not propose to Allie until he had accomplished those goals because he wanted to make sure he could provide for their future together. In May of 2025, he accepted a position with Thrivent in the Denver area, where he still works today as a financial advisor. After receiving his final certification on July 1, 2025, Ben knew it was finally time. With the help of Allie’s best friend Abby, he planned the perfect proposal. On July 6th, 2025, Ben proposed to Allie on the very same hiking trail where they had their first date over three years earlier. Allie was completely surprised, and everything worked out perfectly — the proposal happened right near sunset, and just after it had rained, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky to celebrate the happy couple. After enjoying their engagement, Ben and Allie decided they were ready for another exciting step together: buying their first home. After months of searching different houses and neighborhoods, they purchased their first home in Centennial, Colorado, and moved in during September of 2025. It was such an exciting milestone to create a place of their own and begin building their future there together. Today, Ben and Allie are loving life being engaged. They are so lucky they found each other and cannot wait to celebrate their future surrounded by family and friends on June 12, 2027!