It all started on 801 Day in Ames, Iowa—That’s where Ben and Madison first met, introduced by mutual friends during their senior year at Iowa State. From there, countless nights were spent laughing and talking at their favorite bar, The Blue Owl, where something more than friendship quietly began to brew. A few months later, on November 12, 2020, Ben asked Madison on an official first date—a classic pairing of Alluvial Brewing and El Azteca. It felt natural, easy, and just like them. On January 1, 2021, they made it official. After graduation that spring, Ben took a job in Sioux City while Madison stayed behind in Ames to finish her final semester. Though seven months apart wasn’t easy, their relationship only grew stronger. During that time, Madison accepted a job offer in Minnesota, and together they made the big decision to move north after her graduation in December. They started their next chapter in Plymouth, MN, in a cozy townhome that quickly became their shared home base. In November 2023, they reached another milestone—becoming first-time homeowners in St. Michael, MN. Shortly after purchasing the new home, Ben designed the perfect engagement ring for Madison. He spent about nine months preparing and planning to propose. Ben had planned to propose at sunset, but after some unexpected twists of several missed turns and Madison insisting on getting ice cream, they did not quite make it in time. He popped the question at Noerenberg Gardens in Orono, MN, on September 13, 2024, where she said YES! Since September 2024, they have been happily procrastinating and planning their perfect wedding. Ben and Madison are so excited to share their big day with those they love most.