Ben and Mariah met while they both were studying at Carroll. While there were some interactions in the first three years, it wasn’t until 2019 that they really got to know each other. That summer, Mariah was studying for her CPA exam. She, and her roommate Josie, both stress bake. However, neither eat much of what they make. Thankfully, Ben and another friend, Maddy, lived next door and did eat a lot of what was made. With trips often between the two apartments to bring food, they spent many afternoons talking while Mariah studied. In September, their first date was dancing at Grub Stake, and Ben’s dancing skills impressed Mariah enough to go out on a second date. The next three and a half years included many hikes, walks with Muninn, and dancing whenever live music was happening in town.

Ben proposed on the 4th of July. Four years earlier, to the day, they had done the same hike with a group of friends. It was the first unofficial date. Though it was colder this time around, it was the best hike they had taken. With some great friends along to distract Muninn long enough for Ben to get down on one knee (if you know Muninn, you know him jumping on you is always a slight concern) he asked Mariah to marry him.

It was a beautiful day we won’t forget. We cannot wait to see where our lives go, but we are excited and blessed to have one another in this journey.