Hayley and Ben met briefly in their freshman year at the University of Wisconsin - Madison when they happened to live in the same dorm building. Their paths didn’t cross very often but Ben was definitely aware of the beautiful blonde on the third floor while Hayley didn’t actually recall their meeting.

Sophomore year they coincidentally lived in the same building again, this time across the hall from each other. Ben and his roommate helped Hayley and her roommate loft their beds in the first day. The women gave the men some cookies as a thank you. Living across the hall they became part of the same friend group and so became casual friends. Ben may or may not have developed a crush at this time.

Junior year began and when the friend group returned to campus, Ben invited everyone to dinner one evening. It just so happened that Hayley was the only one available. So a casual dinner turned into a 3-hour date full of conversation, laughs, and Mexican food. The pair began spending more time together until Ben finally asked her to be his girlfriend. (That was the first yes)

They dated through the rest of college, though spring of senior year they both had a study abroad semester they were able to meet up in Paris but this was the beginning of long distance. Hayley returned home first and graduated, then moved home to Minneapolis. Ben returned stateside but had one more semester to finish up. He graduated in December then went home to his family in South Carolina.

But he was determined to move closer to Hayley as soon as he could. After about 500 days of a long distance relationship, Ben moved to the Twin Cities in the summer of 2019.

In 2020, they adopted a kitten name Luna, and moved into an apartment together. In 2021, both were happy in their jobs, were enjoying their time together and It seemed like a proposal was approaching.

However

In July 2021, Hayley was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Her health and treatment took priority. Ben was Hayley’s primary caregiver, and working from home he was able to isolate with her as her immune system was compromised from chemotherapy. He was her chauffeur, chef, and support system. That was the most challenging thing they had to go through but it cemented for them that they can get through anything.

Hayley finished treatment in February 2022 and was declared cancer-free. She recovered and regained her strength.

Ben bought a ring and asked Hayley’s parents for their blessing (and their help in planning the proposal). They of course were thrilled and the mother of the bride, Carrie, helped Ben get Hayley to the proposal location.

Carrie and some of Hayley’s coworkers invited her to a happy hour in downtown Minneapolis. They brought her to the rooftop bar at the Hewing Hotel. She got to the bar and Ben was waiting out on the balcony, suited up with a fresh haircut and a smile on his face. He knelt down and asked her to marry him and she of course said yes.

They are thrilled to be sharing this special day with all their family and friends.