Amber + Ben met at work (Drexel Building Supply) where Ben was "slinging" millwork and doors while Amber was selling cabinetry and countertops. Though they were coworkers, they didn't actually hang out until Ben asked Amber to go out on a Friday night to Camp Bar in Wauwatosa where they could get Old fashioneds- a suggestion the Matron of Honor gave Ben when he asked her where to take Amber. They had so much fun, that their night continued to 3 more bars: J&B's Blue Ribbon, Punch Bowl Social- where they played a game of Darts and Ben ripped his pants- and then of course, they ended their night at Ben's Favorite-The Harp. That date went so well, that for their second one, Ben wanted to take Amber to one of his favorite restaurants in Milwaukee: The Sail Loft. Here the waitress asked them what they would like to drink. Of course, Amber answered with "A glass of Sauvignon Blanc Please"... and Ben answered, "Umm I'll have a Mer-LOT" ...Not a Mer 'loh'... like it is correctly pronounced, but a Mer-LOT...Emphasis on the LOT. It made Amber laugh, and from that moment, she knew Ben was a keeper! After that date, they were so fond of each other that they even planned a trip to Colorado to go skiing and snowboarding. The trip was, well, interesting. Let's just say they made some lasting memories! Fast forward to March of 2020 when they finally made it official! And then a few days later, the US officially announced coronavirus-related activity restrictions. So, though they wanted to go out on dates and go to the movies, instead they had to get creative. Ben and Amber spent their first few months dating by doing virtual game nights with friends and family, having bags tournaments in the backyard with the downstairs neighbors, and taking Rufus on walks with to go cups that may or may not have had wine or a cocktail in them. Fast forward to August of 2020 when Ben and Amber decided to take the next step in their relationship and move in together to The Reef apartments in Wauwatosa. They were here for 3 years where they not only strengthened their relationship, but also made some new ones, especially with their neighbors across the hall. In June of 2023 Ben and Amber bought their first house in Cudahy. Here they continue to do home improvement projects, play with Rufus in the yard, and make new memories! In December of 2023 Ben told Amber that his coworkers at Badger Liquor bet him $100 to jump into Lake Michigan. And if anyone knows Ben, this isn't an out of the ordinary thing for him to do. Saturday morning on December 16th, Amber was ready to head to the gym when Ben said he wanted to get a video of him jumping in the lake before it rained that day. So they went down to Grant Park Beach with Rufus...Ben even brought a beach towel to be convincing...and when they got closer to the water, Ben threw the beach towel down and grabbed Amber's hands and got down on one knee and popped the question! Little did Amber know that two of her best friends were hiding nearby wearing wigs and looking like homeless women just so they could capture the special moment and surprise the newly engaged couple with champagne! Now Amber + Ben are onto their next big chapter... Marriage! They are so excited to celebrate with all of you and cannot wait to see you all September 14th!