Freshman orientation at the University of Southern Mississippi, June 2019. Alexis and Ben were randomly paired into the same orientation group. Alexis didn't know anyone and her counselor urged her to make some friends, so during lunch she decided to sit with some people from her group. The boy she sat next to was none other than Benjamin Lord (well...Lorde as his name tag said). They proceeded to talk throughout the rest of orientation and afterwards, they never spoke again! The first day of freshman year begins and Alexis is running late for her first class (fitting). She enters the classroom and sees a familiar face amongst the crowd, it's Ben! From there, they began to chat about the class and work on homework together. On October 13, 2019, Ben officially asked Alexis to be his girlfriend! Throughout their college years, Ben and Alexis both excelled in their extracurricular activities. Ben served on his fraternities executive board (Kappa Sigma) and served on the governing council over all fraternities at Southern Miss. Alexis danced for Southern Miss as a Dixie Darling and was dance chair for her sorority (Chi Omega). While in Hattiesburg, Alexis and Ben shared an apartment and adopted 2 cats; Obi and Red! Ben graduated from Southern Miss in May of 2023, with honors, and began his graduate journey at the University of South Alabama. Alexis graduated in December of 2023 and followed Ben to Mobile. Ben wrapped up his masters degree in May of 2025. He is currently working as a Speech Pathologist at a skilled nursing facility and Alexis is a school teacher at a mental health hospital. They also got another cat! Her name is Ash. Alexis is also currently pursuing her masters degree in Elementary Education at South Alabama. On June 1, 2025, after nearly 5 and a half years of dating, Ben finally asked Alexis to marry him. Afterwards, Ben surprised Alexis by having all her family and friends come to Mobile to celebrate. It was truly a special day! Now, on June 13, 2026, in front of all their closest family and friends, Alexis and Ben will vow to continue to be each other's biggest supporters.