We met in high school through mutual friends, and after about a year of being friends, I asked him out after preemptively rejecting him a month before. Our first "date" was actually to a gourmet pet treat bakery - and hey, it turns out that food for wealthy dogs is actually pretty good! Since then, we've had seven wonderful years together in two different states and two different countries - sometimes living together and sometimes living apart. We're so excited to celebrate with y'all before we pack our bags and move to the next phase of our lives together in New Zealand!

I've known I wanted to marry Ben for a long time now. Tired of waiting and feeling like the time was right, I commissioned a beautiful engagement ring for him, inspired by the bands of cast vines that my parents wear. (Plus, I had a little insight into his personal tastes in rings, thanks to a late-night conversation on the kitchen floor after a few drinks one evening!) Originally, I planned to propose in Bali, but I just couldn't wait! So, I planned a romantic picnic at the top of Max Patch and popped the question there, surrounded by the mountains where we met. I think he may have suspected something when I put on mascara that morning though.... "What, it's less than a two-mile hike! Lots of people put on makeup for short hikes, Ben."