We're getting married!

During homecoming at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2021, Kaitlyn and her friend Brooke Stockton were pomping at another fraternity house when they wanted a snack. They knew the vending machine at the BYX house was cheaper than others, so they snuck into the house, got their oatmeal cream pies, and started catching up with their friends Jackson Palumbo and Max Berenson. Ben wanted a break from pomping and wanted to come to see what Max and Jackson were up to. And there for the first time, Kaitlyn and Ben had met. From there Kaitlyn was always on Ben's radar. Having known Brooke Stockton from high school, he and she would organize spontaneous group Chick-fil-A dinners to spend time with Kaitlyn that progressed to just dinners between Kaitlyn and me. After time spent together for a bit, Ben asked Kaitlyn to BYX’s Formal in Wilmington, NC. We had the most amazing time. From then on Ben couldn’t think of life without Kaitlyn. Toward the end of the trip, Ben told Kaitlyn that he liked her and asked her on a date to which Kaitlyn responded by saying “Yes, I would love to…. I’ve been waiting for you to ask me.” On the way back to Knoxville from Wilmington, Kaitlyn and Ben stopped in Cary, North Carolina to check on Ben’s grandfather (Granddaddy). It was hard for Grandaddy to speak but the only sentence he was able to form toward the end of the visit was “Kaitlyn, thank you for coming to see me.” For those that do not know Granddaddy passed away in September 2022. Ben took that as Granddaddy's approval and is thankful that he and Kaitlyn were able to meet each other. That was the icing on the cake for Ben seeing Kaitlyn interact with his Nana and Granddaddy With many dates trying new recipes, visits to Springfield and Memphis, Chick-fil-A dates along dozens of Facetime calls from May to July, Ben had full conviction Kaitlyn was who God was calling him to pursue. Ben asked Kaitlyn to be his girlfriend on July 3rd of 2022 by reading her a letter after a sunset dinner at Coastal Fish Company in Memphis, Tennessee. A few of Ben and Kaitlyn’s favorite memories from their time together: Many UT Football games sponsored by Petros Chili, trip to the Biltmore, date parties, formals in Wilmington and Charleston, getting our sweet pup Tucker, beach trip with Kaitlyn’s family, weddings, and many many more sweet memories. We dated for 1 year and 4 months until Ben proposed to Kaitlyn on October 28th, 2023, at her Grandparent's Chapel on their farm in Adams, TN. She was kidnapped by her friends in the morning to go get her nails done, have lunch, and all get ready together. After getting ready with her friends, Kaitlyn’s parents encouraged her and drove her to the farm. At the farm, Ben (with help from many people) decorated the chapel with blue and white hydrangeas, candles, and pictures. Once she got there Ben and Tucker met them at the Chapel where they walked in together. Ben had customized a bible cover with Kaitlyn’s new name and read her a letter on the inside cover. He then proceeded to wash her feet in the same basin that Ben’s father used to wash his mother's feet when he asked her to marry him. After many tears and a sweet, memorable time together, Ben got on one knee and asked Kaitlyn to marry him. Kaitlyn said yes and was so happy she didn’t even look at the ring that Ben had in front of her. Many friends and family came to celebrate with us, and it was such a memorable night. We thank the Lord for what each of you means to us and the support you have given us over our entire lives. As we look ahead to September 28th, 2024, we eagerly can’t wait for you to celebrate with us at our wedding ceremony and reception!