Ben and Maggie met in 2017, so lets take a trip down memory lane. Ben was in his junior year of high school at Solon High School while Maggie was a senior at City High. In 2017 Kirkwood Community College held a morning EMT class at the Regional Center for high school students. Ben was sitting at the very quiet Solon table while Maggie was at the table that always was getting in trouble. Maggie made it her mission to make Ben her friend because he was so quiet. The two became group partners, did their trainings together, and even went down the stairs on back boards like sleds. They graduated EMT school great friends. Maggie went off to college in Michigan while Ben stayed in Iowa for his senior year. The two kept in touch throughout the year. Any time Maggie would come home from college she would go "volunteer" at the EMT class because she knew Ben was in the CNA class in the room next door. Ben would always leave his class to come see her. They would catch up talking about college and sports. They even saw each other at Solon homecoming and spent most the event together. Maggie transferred back to Iowa where she was attending the Kirkwood Community College Paramedic Program. While she sat there on her first day she saw a familiar face walk in. Can you guess who it was? None other then Ben McAtee. They immediately picked up where they left off always talking and not paying attention in class. Their friendship grew and grew. Both Maggie and Ben had feelings for each other but they were scared to ruin their friendship. Until finally on Ben's 21st Birthday surrounded by his friends on the Cedar Rapids Police Department (who were Bens cheerleaders) Maggie and Ben finally told each other of their feelings for one another. From there the rest is history! The love grew and grew through holidays, college degrees, vacations, new jobs, meeting the families, and growing with God. One of Maggie and Bens first dates was at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon, where they are getting married! In April of 2024 Ben and Maggie bought their first home in Morse IA with their dog Simba! Everything was falling into place. In August of 2024 Ben and Maggie went to Minocqua WI which is Maggie's favorite place in the world. Ben and Maggie have been there multiple times and always get a picture on the iconic bridge over the water. On August 8th Ben and Maggie were in town with Maggie's sister Mary Kate, mother Bonnie, brother Jake, his girlfriend Aubrey, and Niece May. Maggie got a call from her cousin and forever ski partner Meghan asking if she wanted to ski. Maggie is a very big water sport fan and instantly said yes! She began to RUN to the bridge to try and walk back to the cabin where the boat was. Ben kept telling Maggie to slow down as she ran with her bags from shopping. Maggie would continue to yell at Ben to walk faster because she did not want to miss the boat. As they came to the bridge Maggie noticed the boats loading up with cousins so she proceeded to RUN FASTER. Ben with his smooth talking convinced Maggie to take a moment and stop because they needed a picture on the bridge as they always do. They took a selfie on the bridge and as Maggie turned around to show Ben the picture he got down on one knee. Maggie was so shocked she threw her phone, said yes, and saw the BEAUTIFUL ring. As Ben and Maggie were celebrating they could hear the cheering and honking from the boats. It was the most perfect engagement filled with so many smiles and happy tears. They boarded the boat to get a ride back to the cabin and upon their arrival all of Maggie's family were there with a surprise engagement party. They were filled with so much joy as they called Ben's family and the couples friends. Ben and Maggie have so many amazing people in their lives who have support and love them. We can not wait to make memories and continue our love story with you all at the wedding!