Ben and Sarah first met in the summer of 2016. They were both interning at Sandia National Labs at the time. Sarah's closest friend in New Mexico, Bridesmaid Lauren Lacey, was Ben's mentor for the summer. She introduced them at Carraro's & Joe's (an Albuquerque dive bar). They barely spoke that night but ran into each other several times throughout the summer. They went on their first date in August at Il Vicino and of course went back to Carraro's & Joe's where Sarah crushed Ben in pool several times. By mid-August they were spending every day together and moved in together that January. The following July they moved to Atlanta together to pursue their PhDs at Georgia Tech. They now live a nomadic life with their three beautiful dogs and fat cat. And they lived happily ever after...

Ben and Sarah were asked to go hot air ballooning by their friend, Officiant Ser John Fitzpatrick. For those that don't know, hot air ballooning is taken quite seriously in New Mexico and Albuquerque is home to one of the world's largest Balloon Fiestas. They of course were excited to go, but Ben secretly had bigger plans. Ben and Fitz had arranged the trip to be a surprise proposal. Kelly Stewart (mother of the groom) works in tourism in New Mexico and told Ben and Sarah that she wanted to use the balloon trip for a New Mexico promo as Balloon Fiesta was cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020 (you might remember it). All that to say, Sarah had to get up at 4:30 am to get photoshoot ready for the sunrise ride and commercial (this could be her big break after all). At sunrise, Sarah stepped up to get in the balloon, Ben grabbed her hand and pulled her back. Sarah said, "I can get up myself" but when she turned to look at Ben he was down on one knee with a gorgeous diamond. Sarah said "of course!" and now we invite you to celebrate our love and happiness with us!