Their wonderful journey began with a connection that had its roots in the innocent days of early school life. Cazenovia is a small town so their families were intertwined and this laid the foundation for something truly special. It wasn't until Kathleen entered high school as a freshman, and Ben, a junior, that their paths started crossing more often, all thanks to their mutual friends. Their first date was a memorable adventure at Creepy Camp, one of those haunted houses that comes alive during Halloween. In a playful twist, Ben, rocking one of his signature snapback hats, mischievously placed a fake hand on Kathleen's shoulder, pretending it was his own. The ensuing laughter unveiled his playful nature, and in that moment, they discovered their natural compatibility. Kathleen's good-natured gullible innocence was the perfect complement to Ben's playful personality. That's how their journey began, marked by shared laughter and a bond that grew deeper, ultimately leading to their enduring love story. As they spent the spring of Ben's senior year together before he headed off to college, their connection and friendship blossomed. They embarked on adventures to their favorite spots, relished late-night trips to McDonald's, both took the stage in the school play, and Kathleen cheered Ben on at his lacrosse games. Finally, in April 2011, Ben and Kathleen officially became a couple after months of what they jokingly referred to as "talking" whenever people asked about their relationship status. This marked the beginning of their remarkable 12-year journey that ultimately led to their beautiful engagement. From Cazenovia to Syracuse University, then on to Penn State University, followed by Lemoyne College, and amidst the numerous adventures that took them to places like Morristown, Weehawken, Battery Park, and countless other destinations, their story stands as a living testament to the belief that when two people are destined to be together, they will always find their way back to each other.

On June 3rd, 2023, a significant day that marked exactly 12 years since Ben and Kathleen first exchanged their heartfelt 'I love you's, a momentous proposal unfolded. Knowing that Kathleen was not an easy person to surprise, Ben, along with the entire family, meticulously crafted a plan that had been in the making for months. The day was originally set for a Broadway show outing with Ben's grandparents, beginning with lunch in the city. However, as they were en route to the city, Ben's mom called with an urgent need to return home to retrieve Meme's (Ben's grandma) forgotten medicine, promising to meet up with them at the show later. After lunch at City Winery, Ben guided Kathleen to the rooftop, where he explained that there was a special installation by his company in the park up there, so they had to check it out. As they reached the rooftop, with the sprawling cityscape of NYC as their backdrop, Ben knelt down on one knee, and with a heart full of love, he asked Kathleen to be his partner in life. Their joyous moment was further heightened as Teddy and Bailey joined them for photographs, capturing the essence of their love. The surprises didn't end there, though. Ben had orchestrated a grand celebration, with their entire family and friends waiting to join the festivities. The party kicked off and never seemed to stop, as they danced the night away, celebrating their love until they could no longer stand. It was a day filled with love, surprises, and a promise of a lifetime together.