Ben and Brooke met senior year of high school when they each began working at an after-school daycare taking care of second and third graders. Ben was instantly drawn to Brooke’s humor and laid back personality and Brooke was drawn to Ben buying her a snowcone on the playground. Spending many of their first moments together on a playground surrounded by children allowed them to build a relationship that was child-like and authentic, but also challenged them to trust each other. Day after day, Ben tried his best to impress Brooke by dunking on second graders on an eight-foot rim, and luckily it worked. Their relationship began with a foundation of friendship and fun memories that set the tone for years to come. Ben and Brooke went to the University of Alabama together several months after meeting. Brooke was hesitant to go into college in a relationship, but Ben drove a hard bargain. He took her to hibachi every week until he was poor, and by then Brooke had come around, and the two made it official. During those four years, they grew close with each other both as friends as partners. They challenged one another to grow and do hard things and supported one another through it all. They built genuine friendships with each other’s friends and loved ones, many of whom are standing by their side on their big day. Following graduation at Alabama, Brooke stayed for a fifth year to complete her Masters in Engineering, and Ben went to Samford University to begin a three-year program for his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. This was a challenging few years as it was the first time the two had been apart, but a foundation of trust and friendship kept their relationship strong as they both grew as individuals. During Ben’s final year at physical therapy school, he came back home for his last two clinical rotations. In October, he took Brooke to the Botanical Gardens where he had planned a surprise proposal. After Ben’s heartfelt speech under the covered bridge, Brooke said yes and the two celebrated with friends and family. As they navigate the next chapter of their lives, they look forward to celebrating their big day with their loved ones and preparing for a life built on the foundation of friendship, trust, and fun that was built seven years ago on the playground.