Ben and Kaitlyn's story began on October 31, 2020. They met at the hospital where they both worked. Ben was reclining in a chair with his feet kicked up when Kaitlyn walked into work that morning and met him for the first time. She learned very quickly that Ben was laid-back and funny, and she immediately liked him. They spent most of the day talking, laughing, getting to know each other, and working some too. They ordered lunch, which Ben insisted on paying for, and had it delivered to the hospital. Kaitlyn, however, sent him money for the food anyway. After work, when they had made it to their cars, Ben asked for Kaitlyn’s phone number. Apparently she had made an impression. And so did he… she gave it to him.

Later that evening, Kaitlyn got a phone notification that Ben had sent her back the money for the food despite her many warnings for him not to. She decided to text him, and from there blossomed a friendship that quickly grew into something more. About two months later, they began officially dating.

As they say, the rest is history.

Weeks before: Ben and Kaitlyn finally pull the trigger and book the trip to Hawaii they had been talking about for some time. Ben immediately knows this is where he wants to ask Kaitlyn to marry him, so he begins conspiring. He enlists the help of coworkers to try to convince Kaitlyn that they should hire a professional photographer while in Hawaii. Kaitlyn objects and says they can just take pictures on their own with their tripod. In an effort not to blow his cover, Ben is forced to drop the subject.

July 12, 6:15 pm: Ben and Kaitlyn are heading to Magic Island Beach to take pictures with their tripod and watch the sunset. Unbeknownst to Kaitlyn, Ben has hired a photographer and agreed to meet him at 6:15 pm. They just barely make it on time, and as they are searching for a parking spot, Kaitlyn realizes… they forgot the tripod! She insists that Ben turn around to go get it. After all, they're taking pictures, and she didn’t get dressed up for nothing! Ben, trying to remain cool, worries they will be late for his meeting time with the photographer and tells Kaitlyn he doesn't want to miss the sunset. Kaitlyn assures Ben they have plenty of time to go back; the sun doesn’t set for another hour! She even tells him it's okay if they miss the sunset today because it will set again every day this week. Ben turns the car around to go get the tripod.

July 12, 6:30 pm: They make it back, tripod in hand. Ben walks Kaitlyn out to a beautiful spot with a jetty overlooking the water and facing Diamondhead Crater. There’s a photographer nearby pretending to take pictures of the kayakers. Ben makes eye contact with the photographer to let him know it's go time. Luckily, the photographer had no difficulty identifying them since Ben told him to look for the couple wearing the obnoxious matching outfits. ;) Once they make it out onto the jetty, Ben drops to his knee, confesses his love, and asks Kaitlyn to marry him. She says YES (obviously)!!!

Together, Ben and Kaitlyn have had the opportunity to travel around the country for work and pleasure. So far, they have been to Tennessee, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Utah, Hawaii, and Washington together. They plan to continue traveling once they are married and even hope to take their travels abroad! They also plan on renovating their first home together and, much to Kaitlyn’s (and Ben's — don't let him tell you otherwise) excitement, seeing Taylor Swift in concert! Please keep them in your prayers as they embark on this new journey called marriage together!