On my (Lakin's) first day of college at UAB I walked into my second ever class knowing no one. I spotted Ben in the 2nd or 3rd row because he was wearing a UAB Bands shirt and I recalled seeing him around band camp. I decided that surely he would be nice to me if I mentioned I was also in the band, turns out I was right. I don't think a day has passed since then where we haven't talked.

Those who know me (Lakin) well know that I am always planning some vacation - whether or not it will actually come to fruition. On a random November in 2023 I remember frantically texting Ben that I had found uber cheap flights to Calgary, Canada randomly in June. Without hesitation he replied, "book them." Fast forward to June 2024 and I am thinking "this dude is an idiot if he doesn't propose on our trip..." Good thing he is the smartest person I know and didn't let me down :) I love telling people that everything planned was all him - the ring, the photographer, and the location.