In 2016, we first crossed paths aboard the same Navy ship in Virginia and connected through mutual friends. Although our initial meetings were casual, it wasn’t until summer 2019, when we began working in the same department, that our friendship became more significant. By the summer of 2020, we found ourselves spending most of our time together, exploring beaches, camping, drifting cars, and even traveling to Portland, Maine. Ben left the Navy in September 2020 and moved to Boulder Colorado to continue school. Cierra relocated to upstate NY a few months later to work as a Navy instructor, and we chose to continue our relationship despite the distance. In January 2021, during a visit to meet Cierra’s parents, we officially become a couple. For nearly two years we navigated a long-distance relationship, visiitng each other every couple of months. Despite the distance, our bond remained strong, and in July 2022 Cierra separated from the Navy and we embarked on an unforgettable two-week road trip through Canada with Marla in our trusty yellow van. After spending a few months in California, Cierra moved to Colorado in October 2022 to be with Ben and attend college. Since then, we’ve enjoyed many adventures together, including trips to San Francisco, Hawaii, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and numerous camping excursions in the Colorado mountains. In February 2024, we got engaged, and by April, we had moved into our first home with Randy and Marla. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from family and friends across the country and are excited to celebrate our wedding with you this summer. Thank you for being part of our journey. With love and excitement, Ben & Cierra