We first met in college at the University of Kansas. Over the summer of 2023, our beloved Fr. Dan Morris introduced us at some friends' engagement party. Fr. Dan told us that we both attended Sacred Heart parish in Shawnee and went to rival high schools growing up. At the time, Ciara was enjoying her singlehood and Ben was discerning the priesthood. As the following school semester started, we saw each other here and there at Johnny's Tavern outings, daily Masses and in-between moments at the St. Lawrence Center. Ben was thinking about Ciara, while she began to notice he was around a lot more often...

Eventually in October, Ben finally asked Ciara on a date after a 9 p.m. Monday Mass. We've been together since!

Only two weeks later, Ben was offered a position at Clemson University to work and pursue his master's degree. We decided he should take the opportunity, but we continued our dating relationship because it felt right. We had a great three months hanging out with friends, watching movies, praying Rosaries, attending KU games, going to St. Louis for the SEEK 24 conference, and experiencing an amazing trip to Rome together with St. Lawrence.

On January 19, 2024, Ben left for Clemson, South Carolina and we began our year and 6 months of long distance (488/567 days spent apart!).

Long distance was incredibly formative for both of us. We underwent a lot of spiritual, physical, and emotional growth (and sufferings) over that time. Although it was hard and trying, we firmly believe God was forming us for the marriage He has designed for us. It was all for His glory!

Ben proposed to Ciara in April 2025, the weekend after Easter. We started our engagement long distance but Ben finally came back home to Kansas in August 2025. We have been intentionally preparing for this day since.

Thanks for reading our story, and pray for us as we embark on this new chapter!