We met at our church’s young adults program, The Porch, during a paint-and-sip on February 17, 2024 a night we’ll never forget. Ben, the extrovert, joined Kerry’s group with ease, while Kerry, a bit more reserved, quietly admired his confidence. What she didn’t know was that Ben was just as drawn to her, captivated from the moment he saw her. From that night on, we kept showing up to every event, quickly growing from friends to best friends. Through beach days, laughter, and time spent together, our bond deepened into something undeniable. We truly believe God brought us together, and what started as a simple moment has grown into a love we know is meant to last forever.

On November 23rd, our love officially became something more and it’s a night we’ll carry with us forever. We’re so excited to share this part of our story with you, because it’s where everything truly began for us. Leading up to that night, Ben had been quietly planning every detail even asking Kerry’s mom for permission. Meanwhile, Kerry had no idea what was coming. We were both stepping into the evening from completely different places: Ben feeling nervous but certain, and Kerry simply expecting a nice night out. When Kerry arrived, everything started to feel real. From Ben’s perspective, he couldn’t help but think she looked absolutely beautiful, every detail, from her dress to her makeup, felt unforgettable. From Kerry’s side, she noticed right away that this wasn’t just any ordinary date. The restaurant Ben chose, Le Malt Lounge in Colonia, was far more elegant than our usual spots, and a little suspicion started to set in. As we sat down, we soaked in the atmosphere, it felt like we had stepped into a hidden gem you’d only expect to find in New York City. We shared cocktails, laughed over delicious appetizers, and enjoyed an incredible dinner together. All the while, Kerry wondered what made this night so special, and Ben quietly wrestled with nerves, waiting for the perfect moment. When dessert arrived, we both felt a shift. Ben began speaking from the heart, reflecting on everything we had built together the memories, the growth, and the love that brought us to that very moment. Then, with a pause that felt like it held the world still, he asked the question: “Will you be my girlfriend?” We were both overwhelmed, Ben with emotion, and Kerry with joy. There were tears, laughter, and a kind of happiness that’s hard to put into words. In that moment, Ben shared one more surprise: a promise ring engraved with “The Beginning of Forever,” symbolizing not just where we were, but where we’re going. The rest of the night was filled with reflection, laughter, and the kind of conversations you never want to end. As the evening came to a close, we said goodbye with our very first kiss a moment that meant everything to us, marking the start of our journey together, grounded in love and faith. We feel incredibly blessed for that night, for each other, and for the love that God has placed at the center of our lives. And we feel even more blessed to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by our church, our families, and all of you.

Long before this day came to life, we were already living in the excitement of it dreaming about forever and building something so special together. Behind the scenes, I had been planning for two months (and thinking about it for nearly six), while Kerry, in full “engagement fever,” kept asking the question that made us laugh: “When are you going to propose?” We’ve always loved the beach it’s where so many of our favorite memories have been made. So we knew we wanted this moment to happen there. The only challenge was that it was January. That’s when the plan came together: a “family trip” to Florida to visit my grandma, uncle, aunt, and cousins especially since my grandma had never met Kerry. What felt like a simple trip to her was, on my side, every piece of a much bigger plan falling into place. Leading up to it, everything became more real. On January 2, 2026, my mom and I went to New York City to finalize the engagement ring. A week later, I took Kerry’s mom out to her favorite restaurant to ask for her blessing an emotional night I’ll never forget. From that moment on, we knew this was really happening. When we flew to Florida on January 29th, we were both excited but for very different reasons. Kerry thought it was just a family trip, while I was trying to keep the biggest secret of my life (including getting the ring through TSA hidden in a sock). We arrived, spent the night with family, and prepared for the day ahead. The next morning was the day I had been waiting and praying for but for Kerry, it still felt like a normal day. We had a light breakfast and headed to Lido Key Beach, a quieter, more intimate spot away from the crowds. I had even arranged a photographer without her knowing. We spent the day enjoying a Mediterranean café, walking around, getting ice cream, and just being together. It felt like the perfect day while, on my side, every moment was leading to something more. As the evening got closer, so did the nerves. We went to my aunt and uncle’s house to get ready for dinner, but part of the plan was already in motion. My aunt texted us saying they were running late and told us to go watch the sunset at the beach. This was it. We walked along the shoreline as the sun began to set, and everything felt still. My heart was racing as we reached the spot. We were talking and smiling, just like any other moment but I knew everything was about to change. I began sharing what was on my heart how grateful we are for each other, for this trip, and for everything we’ve built. Then, in the middle of that perfect sunset, I got down on one knee and asked, “Kerry Leann Maldonado, will you marry me?” In complete shock and overwhelming joy, she said yes through tears, laughter, and the happiest embrace we’ve ever shared. In that moment, everything felt real. We took photos on the beach to capture it all, then celebrated over dinner, replaying every second of the day. It’s a moment we will cherish forever the day our forever truly began. And we feel so blessed to share this next chapter with all of you.