Like any good story, Ben and Courtney's begins with a high school birthday party. Before the party, both had seen the guest list and not recognized the other's name. The perfect storm. Courtney was the last to arrive and as she walked in, Ben's first thoughts were "Wow, she is pretty! And short! But so pretty!" One week later, Ben worked up the nerve to ask for Courtney's number which she "accidentally" entered incorrectly into the phone. Whether it was love-at-first-sight or teenage desperation, Ben decided to message her on facebook and try his luck for the last time. Much to his relief, Courtney HAD intended to give Ben her number but his horrid flip phone keyboard had caused the mistake. From there it's history: they both leave Madison, AL to complete their undergraduate degrees in Birmingham while growing together in a new city.

Courtney's friend Marisa was visiting from out-of-town and convinced Courtney to visit a recent addition to Samford's campus. This new place was a quiet pond shaded by a canopy of oak trees. It was perfect for a picnic! Ben set out a blanket and basket surrounded by photos from their life together. Inside the basket was a series of firsts: the movie ticket from their first date, their first photo together, the card from their first anniversary, and the first ring Ben had ever bought!

Haven 5:00pm Birmingham, Alabama October 12, 2019