According to Ben, it all started in early July when Paige and Ben decided to go ring shopping in Kansas City. The behind-the-scenes planning started then with talking to Paige’s parents, Ben’s parents, our siblings, and family and friends. After two months of planning, the day came. It was very difficult for Ben to keep the secret because of how many people were involved and in town, especially since Paige could check most of their locations!

The day of, Paige was 99% sure that Ben was going to propose because (1) he made plans— something he never does—a reservation at a fancy rooftop bar in downtown KC, and (2) Paige knew he had the ring, and wanted to do it soon, and was running out of free weekends in the year to do so. Early afternoon, we drove to the restaurant (The Percheron) and went inside. We were early, so we sat at the bar downstairs and got a mimosa. Ben let Paige pay for the mimosa—which she thought was weird and kind of threw her off a bit. Then, we took the elevator to the roof and there was not a soul in sight. Eventually, a cook came out of the kitchen and Ben said we had a reservation at 12–to which the cook responded, “Sorry, there’s a proposal at 12 so you’ll have to come back when we open at 3” (Fail for that guy LOL). So, then Paige knew 100% for sure that it was coming!

Ben was a little flustered from that, which was cute, but we eventually made our way out to the open rooftop where there was a cute area with a rug and plants. Paige and Ben walked over to that area, making awkward small-talk for the first time in YEARS (Ben was so nervous!!!). He then got down on one knee, gave a short and sweet speech, and asked Paige to marry him, to which she replied yes, of course. Afterward, we got a few minutes to ourselves, but, unbeknownst to Paige, there were about 30 of our closest family and friends making their way up to the roof in the one tiny elevator (She later learned this was a logistics nightmare).

First to appear were our parents, which wasn’t too much of a surprise because Paige knew they were in town the day before because of Ben’s police academy graduation, but then, Paige’s sister and Ben’s brother walked around the corner and Paige was in tears. Then, her grandparents showed up. Then her two brothers. Then her friends from home. Then her friends from Benedictine. Then her friends from PT school (whom Ben had never met/talked to/she didn’t know he even knew their names!!!) We all had a little rooftop party, then went to Paige’s favorite bar in KC—Up-Down. After that, we took a quick break and then we, along with Paige's siblings, parents, and a few friends all hit the town for dinner, and ended up at a little bar where the Notre Dame game was on (where they won)! Finally, on the walk back to the hotel, we were able to catch the last three songs of the Russell Dickerson concert! It was an absolutely perfect day!!

Registry