Depending upon who you ask, their story begins at different stages.

When you ask Cori, she knew Ben was hers from the moment she heard his name years prior to their meeting. Though they had not ever been introduced to each other, in a conversation with mutual friends, his name came up and it was at that moment she knew.

When you ask Ben, the story picks up years later at a Christmas party in 2014, where he met Cori at a mutual friend's house. He didn't know who she was, just that she was a new person added to the bond of friends. He adds her as a friend on Facebook, peruses her photos, posts on her Birthday a few days later, and doesn't speak to her again... until one year later on December 27, 2015, at that same Christmas party, where their paths cross once more.

According to Cori, she "misplaced her phone". In an effort to find it, she asks if she could use someone's phone to call it. Ben, being right there as she asked, handed her his phone, where the unofficial exchange of their numbers happens (lol).

Throughout the night, the two caught each other's eye, engaged in flirtatious banter, and even shared a seat on the couch during a movie. Ben knew at this point, there was something different, something he had never seen, something that pulled him closer to Cori. As the night grew late, slowly everyone headed home. Cori, having developed a fever, gathered her belongings and headed out. Being a gentleman, Ben took this opportunity to walk Cori to her car and wished her well.

Concerned for her well being, Ben texted Cori the following morning to see how she was doing.

Days after the Christmas party, Ben and Cori spent many hours on the phone, enjoying the conversation of each other. Leading up to Cori's 30th Birthday, she invites Ben to the celebration. He graciously accepts. At this point there was no public knowledge that something was beginning.

It's the big day to celebrate Cori, and Ben is not feeling well, but he pushes himself to go support her. Not knowing anyone, Ben plays it cool, mingling amongst the crowd, seeking opportunities to just get a glimpse of Cori's beauty throughout the night. Wanting to remember this moment, they take their very first picture together.

The night goes on, everyone sings Happy Birthday to Cori, and the crowd slowly disperses. Ben, still around, intentionally waited until midnight to leave so that he could officially be the first one to tell her "Happy Birthday" on her actual birthday. They talk and eventually Ben prepares to leave, walking with Cori to his car, where they exchange their very first kiss.

Time goes on, they begin hanging out, and taking advantage of any opportunity to see each other.

When you ask Ben and Cori, though they had feelings growing for each other, Ben was very intentional about building a friendship first, being sure to remind himself of this by making every effort to express that they were just friends, that talk on the phone, and like to kiss a lot (lol). Time goes on and they have their first official date at Don Pablos. The experience was nothing short of weird, from the awkward waiter, to the salty tortillas, but the one thing that was simply amazing was the chemistry and conversation between them. Though it was not the ideal first date, it is one of the most memorable because it showed them both that regardless of what is going on around them, they have each other in the moment.


Fast forward a few weeks, they've been talking to each other, their respective friends, and family, and everyone is wondering, who is this person that they're each smitten over. It's Valentine's Day weekend, and it's been about 2 months of just being friends. Ben is now ready to make their relationship official. Sunday, February 14, 2016, Ben plans an amazing day, starting with a walk through the Philadelphia Home Show and then later dinner at La Calaca Feliz, a Mexican restaurant, which is Cori's favorite cuisine. After indulging in a delicious meal, they head back to the car. Before leaving the parking lot, they exchange gifts, with Ben's final gift being a note saying "Will you be my Girlfriend? Check Yes or No". Surprised, Cori checks yes and they seal the night with a kiss! It's official, Ben and Cori are together! #facebookofficial

For the next 860 days after that Christmas Party in 2015, Ben and Cori shared a joy, happiness, and love together that each of them had longed for, but never experienced before. Their journey together has taken them on countless drives to Philadelphia for delectable cuisine and an Eagles game (E-A-G-L-E-S... EAGLES!!!!!), North Jersey/New York/Cape May for several weddings, New York City for a Broadway play, Shirleysburg, PA for the Creation Music Festival, Atlanta, GA for Thanksgiving, Bermuda via Royal Caribbean Cruise-lines, and many mini vacations to Atlantic City to escape the complexities of life. They've shared many milestones together, supporting each other as they have both navigated life, seeing a little bit of the world along the way. Truly, God and Love have been at the forefront of what they believe has made their relationship flourish.

Fast forward to May 5, 2018... At this point, Ben had been looking for engagement rings for over a year (he was serious about the right one). The plan was simple, Sharita, Ben's sister and a makeup artist, was going to suggest a "couples photoshoot" for a portfolio she was putting together. After many date changes, they all decided that May 5th was the best day. So, in Cori's mind, she was just getting a new dress, and her hair and makeup done for the "photoshoot". Once they were ready, Ben and Cori headed to the car. Suddenly, Sharita pulled up stating she was having "car troubles" and wanted Ben to take a look. He drove off in haste to "check on the car". Of course this was all a ploy to get Ben to be in place for the proposal that Cori will never forget! With the music playing, candles lit, rose pedals laid, and the Philadelphia skyline in the background, Ben proposed to Cori, proclaiming the she was his Queen...she happily accepted!

Click Here to check out the full proposal video!