Ben and Auna met at Winona State University in February of 2021 while taking the same Exercise Science class! After a few conversations over the phone, the decision was made to see each other for the first time over a Criminal Minds marathon at Auna’s house. Little did they know, they’d been next-door neighbors for almost a whole year! Ben knew Auna was it for him, and asked her to be his girlfriend on February 26th, 2021. After college, they moved in together during August of 2023 with their dog, Sarah. As if one fur baby wasn’t enough, they adopted their second dog, Obi, in May of 2024. Ben and Auna love being full time dog-parents while squeezing in work on the side. Fast forward to October 25th, 2025; Ben told Auna and her sister, Laya, that he was taking them on an early morning adventure and no questions were allowed by anyone! Auna having no idea of his schemes, Ben had planned to take them to the Minnesota Arboretum to propose and Laya was in on the secret the whole time! After the big “YES!”, Ben planned a surprise brunch with both of their families (and fur babies) in attendance to celebrate. That’s our story! We appreciate all of your love and support throughout the 5 years of our time together and our future to come. We are so excited to give everyone a wonderful weekend full of fun! With love, A & B