Emily and Ben hung out with their shared friend group nearly every day. Even though they were “just best friends,” Ben loved surprising Emily with little gifts - like putting a Patterson’s apple cider on her back porch for her to find. Eventually, Ben asked Emily on an official date night to get dinner at Revolution in Cincinnati followed up by splitting a delicious pizookie at BJs for dessert. The simple date night was absolutely perfect.

Emily and Ben went on several more dates, including Emily taking Ben to his first coffee shop! However, Emily decided she was not ready to date quite yet and wanted to remain just friends.

After moving back to Cleveland following their graduation from Xavier University, Emily and Ben were still best friends. Emily spent most of her free time playing golf, a sport that Ben had disliked at the time. However, Ben spent nearly the entire summer in Cleveland teaching himself how to golf so that he could spend more time with Emily. Over a year of denial later, Emily realized that Ben was the one. He is her best friend but also her soul mate.

Ben meticulously planned to pop the question on Saturday, March 18, 2023. After celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Ben’s friend group the night before, Ben began to panic that Emily had celebrated too hard and would not be prepared for the surprise date that he had planned. However, Ben helped Emily choose her outfit while she curled her hair, oblivious to the situation as usual. Ben drove Emily to Squire’s Castle - a beautiful place where they had previously hiked around and shared a perfect picnic at. Ben got down on his knee in the center of the castle while his friend and photographer, Anthony, captured the raw moment. Both Emily and Ben teared up immediately and Ben was barely able to speak as he held the ring up. It was the sweetest moment ever!


After taking a few pictures in Squire’s Castle, Ben shuffled Emily toward the parking lot where they were greeted by family who had surprised the freshly engaged couple with champagne, signs, and balloons - a parking lot party! Later that evening, Ben had planned a surprise party with friends and family (both near and far)! We celebrated at Hi and Dry in Tremont (Cleveland, Ohio) for the rest of the night. The whole day was absolutely perfect - full of unconditional love!