Cheers to the rest of our lives.

This is Ben's recollection of our story: "I will start this by saying that Rachel entered my life at a time when I least expected it, but the minute I met her I knew it was all or nothing. I was given Rachel's number by a friend in late September, we had exchanged texts and spoke on the phone for several days proceeding that. Our first date was supposed to be on a Wednesday, but Rachel texted me early Tuesday saying she was sick and wanted to move it to Friday. At the time, I had this urge to do something -- show her that I meant business! I decided to order her lunch to her office — soup, some hashbrowns (she told me she loved them), tea, some liquids. To this day, I don't believe I'll ever get a better ROI than that initial investment I placed on Postmates. The day I met Rachel, it was Friday in Venice Beach -- I had just ordered her an Uber to this vegan restaurant on Abbott Kinney called "Butchers Daughter" (we got engaged 4 years later in NY & had lunch at the original Butchers Daughter) The restaurant didn't hold reservations so I showed up an hour early and rushed to the host -- 'Hi there, I'm early for a date and I know you probably hear this a lot but I could be meeting my wife tonight. No really, she could be it. I need the most intimate table you can get me'. I'll never forget the first time I saw Rachel get out of that Uber... I thought to myself 'this is the most beautiful person I've ever laid my eyes on.. if there's no bullshit, this can work'. We went to three different spots that night and at one point I remember looking at myself in the mirror and thinking to myself "I am so happy". As cheesy as it sounds, that was probably the best night of my life. Every day since the first time I laid my eyes on Rachel, has been a gift and a dream; there are times when I rub my eyes in disbelief that this beautiful person is my partner. I am forever blessed to not only be marrying Rachel, but gaining additional family members and lifelong friends. If there's anything you can learn from our story, it's that opportunity flashes in front of you from time to time, and it may not be the right time or you may not be prepared.. but if you seize that opportunity -- magic can happen. You can meet your best friend."