It's a Forever Kind of Thing

Once upon a late night/early morning toward the end of march of 2018, Ben and Tamia’s paths crossed on a dating app. Little did they know that a simple swipe would be the start of their love story that will continue to thrive for many years to come. While continuing to be over 5,000 miles apart, two weeks into talking, Ben courageously booked flights to the USA to meet Tamia for the first time in person. He has never been the spontaneous type but was eager to meet her. After a long awaited month, a 12 hr flight, and 7hr drive, Ben arrived in Durango. Their first couple of days together were filled with adventure around beautiful Colorado mountains, touring in/out of the Durango area, and broadening Ben’s taste buds to American food. Even though it was only a couple of days, the butterflies constantly lingering within their stomachs confirmed their feelings for one another and from there they knew that they wanted to continue their relationship, even if it was long-distance. That didn't matter to them. Over the last six and a half years, they found a way to alter their lives to an eight hour time difference, traveling back and forth to visit one another, depending on facetime calls, overcoming many hardships, tackling a global pandemic, and adjusting to new career/life changes. It wasn't always easy, but they always managed to continue to love one another and laugh through the chaos. Everything they’ve conquered, made them stronger than ever as both individuals and as a couple. Now here they are, about to embark on a long lasting commitment to one another that was initiated by Ben’s grand gesture on 5 April, 2022. He got down on one knee and popped the question at their favorite park reservoir in London. Three years after that day, Ben and Tamia are finally ready to celebrate their relationship with their family and friends.