Our Story
How It Started
Emily and Benton’s story began during the winter quarter of their senior year at UCLA. With the real world looming, they found solace in late-night walks around Westwood, sharing laughter under the starry California sky. These evenings laid the groundwork for their bond, which was soon tested when Benton invited Emily on a weekend camping trip—just the two of them. Mother Nature had other plans, surprising them with a rainstorm that turned their romantic getaway into a soggy adventure. Luckily, Benton redeemed himself with a fancy date night, and they officially became a couple. From that moment on, they embraced countless adventures together—hiking the California coast, dancing at music festivals, and navigating the chaos of graduation side by side!
Better Together
Their love thrived as they kept each other on their toes and supported each other’s endeavors. Benton’s passion for the outdoors and Emily’s determination turned their leisurely walks into epic odysseys, culminating in a near-vertical trek in Yosemite that would make a mountain goat reconsider its life choices. In a twist, Emily ditched her five-year vegetarianism for Benton’s BBQ ribs, proving love is all about sacrifice—especially when ribs are involved. Their enthusiasm for new experiences led to running a half-marathon, hiking in Hawaii, and road trips filled with laughter and questionable snacks. Whether going to local games, cheering for the Panthers (big sigh), or rocking out at concerts from Grouplove to Metallica, they were always ready for an adventure—unless it involved a movie, where Emily inevitably dozed off. Through job changes and a pandemic, they stuck together and moved into their first "quaint" (read: tiny) bungalow in Santa Monica.
She said YES!
After six years of growing into fully-fledged adults, Benton was ready to pop the question. He told Emily to prepare for a long-awaited scenic road trip up the coast to Big Sur, planning to leave early Friday morning with a quick breakfast pit stop. As they pulled into a parking lot in Malibu, Emily was so focused on the itinerary that she had no idea what was coming. Benton led her up the cliff, then got down on one knee; all she could think about was how she hadn’t brushed her hair! But she mustered her excitement and said, “YES!” Benton then surprised her with a romantic weekend in Malibu filled with sushi, unlimited wine, and horseback riding.