marry me, today and everyday

We met at a mutual friend's pool party in the summer before Ben's senior year of high school. We were just two young kids at just 15 & 16 years old at the time! After a comical first conversation over nothing other than Spongebob Squarepants, (you should ask Ben about that one!) we left the party both thinking about each other. After a few more teenage-awkward run-ins and "walk-bys" at the Schweizerfest the following weekend, Ben finally got the courage to text Siarra. After lots of chatting and months of flirting, we officially became boyfriend & girlfriend in June 2011. From there, the rest is history! We are so excited and love the fact that our 10 year anniversary together will be the same year we get married!

Just like any other year on July 4th weekend, we packed up the car and headed to the lake. This is Siarra's favorite place to be in the whole world - and there was always a big celebration for this holiday! Upon arriving at the lake, we packed up the boat with ourselves, fishing gear, and June to head out to fish. Ben had been talking all week about going fishing, so this had been the plan all along! It started to rain while we were on the boat, but Ben wasn't done fishing yet - so we put up the canopy and did our best to stay as dry as possible. The rain started to subside after about 20 minutes, and we decided to take a lap around the lake. After arriving back at the lake lot, Ben wanted to fish some more. After a little confusion, Siarra agreed to stay down to fish off the dock. Ben handed her a fishing pole and showed her the "best spot" to catch some fish. Little did Siarra know, while her back was turned he was digging in his bag for a little box with something really important in it.... "Hey babe, I wanted to ask you something" he said... and that's when Siarra turned around in total shock and confusion! After lots of screaming and excitement, she said yes! And we looked up to see all of our friends and family hiding on the deck, watching the moment happen! That whole weekend, we celebrated with those closest to us at our favorite place. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal... the start of a new chapter together!