Ben and Lara first saw each other while lifting at Iron Physique Gym in Rochester, MN in the summer of 2023. It was definitely intrigue at first glance because Lara was texting her girlfriends afterwards talking about this man at the gym that was sooo handsome (best jawline she had ever seen). Luckily that man was also interested in her, because he messaged Lara on social media and they began talking. Just a few days later (July 11th) they went on their first date at Cafe Steam to grab a coffee and they hit it off. Both were coincidentally on their way to the gym afterwards, so Ben got to help spot Lara on bench where she hit a personal best (not trying to show off at all). The next day was Ben's birthday and he didn't have any plans, and little did he know Lara LOVES celebrating a birthday so they agreed to spend time traveling around Rochester and Kasson finding free birthday things. From starbucks, racing simulators, acai bowls, Lime scooters, sushi, and bringing Ben to the hometown fair in Kasson (his first fair ever) - it was a memorable day long date! Ben even met Lara's mom and aunt at the fair. They were inseparable for the weeks to follow but faced a harsh reality of Lara going back to Mississippi to begin her PhD and Ben moving to Minneapolis to become a flight dispatcher - creating 800 miles of distance between the pair. Lara was hesitant about the idea of a long distance relationship, but Ben was adamant on not giving up easily on this once in a lifetime love. They committed to the long distance and God blessed it so greatly, with Ben succeeding in his job and being able to freely travel to visit Lara every couple weeks for the last year and a half. Lara is so grateful to have the most amazing man, with vision and priority, leading the way for their marriage. Ben is thankful to have found a partner that compliments him so well. They now have an apartment in Eagan where they get to begin their lives as a married couple!

We got engaged on January 9th, 2025 at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and had a quick turnaround of getting married in Santa Barbara, California on March 14, 2025! We already had plans to go out to California to visit our friends Olivia and Colin (who got ordained to marry us!) in Pismo Beach. While discussing weddings plans, we talked about how it would be our dream wedding to tie the knot in a fun location we both had never been - so we thought "Why not California?" We knew we wanted an intimate and beautiful wedding with our families there, so we called our families and they were on board to buy plane tickets to come out and celebrate us. Leading up to the week in California, Lara was completing comprehensive exams for her PhD and Ben was working long hours, so most of the planning happened the same week. The photographer was booked before arriving in CA, but all other details fell in to place with help from our families (shout out to Kailie & Bobby for picking out Lara's veil the morning of the wedding). Here's a snapshot of the week in California: Monday: Ben & Lara get marriage license in Santa Barbara and explore beaches and cliffs for potential ceremony spots Tuesday: Surfing in Pismo beach with friends and family Wednesday: Nail appointment and purchase hair and makeup products; wedding dress arrives just in time! Thursday: Pick out flowers; families arrive and enjoy dinner together; shop for last minute details Friday: Wedding day! Photos at the Santa Barbara courthouse + marriage ceremony on Butterfly Beach It was exciting, fun, and totally us. We wish we could've had all of our friends and families there to celebrate with us in California - but we're excited to celebrate in Minnesota this coming August!