In February of 2018, Sara was asked to sub on a volleyball team for the Monday Night Whirlpool League. She didn't know anyone on the team, but decided to take a chance. The captain of the team, Liz, asked her after the game if she ever played softball. Sara said no, but she would be willing to try. Liz said they might be looking for another girl for their team, starting in May and she would reach out.

Fast forward to the end of April, Sara ran into Liz at Planet Fitness, and Liz asked if she would play. Sara agreed, even though she had never played before. It couldn't be that hard, right? So wrong.

Ben had been a part of this team since it started, and typically played short stop, occasionally he would sub in for the pitcher. The team decided Sara would play catcher, since she had very little experience playing. So one day, Ben subbed in for the pitcher. While warming up, he threw some not so great pitches, which Sara responded to by saying "I'm gonna need you to do better." Ben responded by saying "It's practice and this is my first throw! Give me a break!" They continued to joke back and forth, trying to one up each other with sarcastic remarks.

One day, Sara missed a game because she was at a design conference in Chicago. She decided to go down to the beach the next day when she got home, hoping to play some pick up volleyball. Ben showed up to play too, and asked Sara where she had been the day before. This surprised Sara, that he had actually noticed her missing. They chatted for a little while, played some games, and then Sara went home.

Once home, she decided to send Ben a message on Facebook, asking him to grab a drink some time. Ben agreed that would be fun. Two days later, he sent her a message asking if she would be available in about 10 minutes to meet downtown. Normally Sara would need a lot more planning, but was intrigued by Ben, so she agreed. They bonded over sports, food, and sarcasm.

And in August, he asked her to be his girlfriend, by bringing her flowers. Little did they know, this was the start of something great.

Fast forward to August 29, 2021. Sara had won a free photoshoot from a photographer friend on Instagram. She and Ben planned to do the shoot for their 3 year anniversary, and would take pictures down at Silver Beach, one of their favorite places. Ben went behind Sara's back to communicate his plans with the photographer and mapped out the route to a small clearing in the dunes, near the pier. As they got close to the clearing, Ben tried to distract Sara so the surprise wouldn't get ruined. She's sometimes too observant for her own good. When she finally saw it, she froze, and Ben had to lead her into the clearing. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes!

B&S

Wedding Day