We're getting married!

Ben and Carolyn’s journey began at Northwestern University, where they met as teammates on the swimming and diving team. They’d both come to Chicago from opposite sides of the country—Ben from Oregon, Carolyn from Michigan—only to find themselves sitting side-by-side in math class, where they first started chatting over shared homework. Though they didn’t spend much time together outside of the pool and the classroom, God had other plans. When COVID hit, their worlds narrowed to the same quarantine bubble at Northwestern. Suddenly, they found themselves in each other's lives day after day, getting to know each other on a deeper level during one unforgettable year. That time together sparked a connection that grew and deepened in the years that followed. While they both cherish Northwestern for the experiences and degrees they earned, they’d both say the most precious thing to come out of those years was finding their best friend. While their story might not fit the classic “love at first sight” mold, it’s become something even more remarkable— a love that continues to grow (like an exponential curve from their math class together) as their relationship, faith, and friendship have flourished. Now, they’re so grateful and excited to begin their next chapter together as lifelong partners.