While Ben and Sydney had always known of each other during their time at Johnston, it wasn’t until the summer before their senior year of high school that they truly got to know one another. They were both volunteering at show choir camp in the summer of 2018, where they found themselves talking whenever they had the chance. That summer, they started organizing group get-togethers as a not-so-subtle excuse to spend more time together. Eventually, those casual group outings turned into one-on-one hangouts, and in August 2018, they officially started dating. They spent their senior year of high school participating in show choir together, attending school dances and dreaming about what the future might hold. Lucky for them, the next chapter took them both to Iowa State University, where they spent the next four years making countless memories through sorority and fraternity events, cheering on the Cyclones and making lifelong friends. After graduation, they decided to explore life beyond Iowa for a bit and both landed jobs in Kansas City. They moved into their first apartment together, discovered new favorite restaurants and even became proud dog parents to their sweet, beautiful, perfect daughter, Ginger. On March 15, 2025, Ben proposed to Sydney on a walk by the WWI Museum and Memorial. He also surprised Sydney by having her friends in town and organizing a family brunch the next day. It was absolutely perfect!!! In July 2026, Ben and Sydney will celebrate nearly eight years together and begin their most exciting chapter yet - marriage!!! They are incredibly grateful for the love and support of their family and friends and can’t wait to celebrate this special day with their favorite people.