The couple first met on March 17th, 2021 when Ben walked into a small group, that Rachael had been attending, for the first time. Within seconds after Ben walked through the door, Rachael looked to her friend and said “I’m in trouble”, as she was instantly drawn to his red hair, noticeably good fashion, and genuine sweet smile. Little did she know that Ben spotted her just as quick. Ben’s first reaction after hearing Rachael talk and laugh was “I need this girl in my life”.

For the first couple of months they formed a great friendship - sharing their love for God and life while being vulnerable through small group, and hanging out while making memories with their close friends. Throughout the friendship, both of them began to realize how well the other would fit into each others life, and all thanks to a Cardinals Baseball game and some liquid courage, Ben picked up on the signs Rachael was laying down.

Two days later they went on their first date to La Belle Vie on Main Street in St. Charles and sat in pure excitement, and a little disbelief, that they were on a date with one another. They spent hours talking and laughing and at one point, when Rachael went to the bathroom, she looked in the mirror and said “I’m going to marry that guy one day”.

From the very beginning of their relationship, both Ben and Rachael have known in confidence that they were the one for each other. Despite the challenges and curve balls life throws, the couple stayed positive, supportive, and chose to view everything as a new adventure and a part of their story.

Their greatest adventure yet was a two week vacation in Italy and Switzerland where Ben popped the question in Rome. The setting was a beautiful summer night and their travel crew, Wanna Pisa Us, was going on a night walk through the city to see popular monuments lit up. Ben had everything planned with the group there to take pictures and videos, and he even had a code phrase so everyone knew it was time - “Man I could go for an American cheeseburger right now”.

Rachael had a hunch the proposal was coming on the trip, but not until later in Switzerland, so Ben was able to achieve the shock factor and pulled off the smoothest ring grab anyone has seen.

The couple was so blessed to have Ben’s parents witness this special moment and have their friends catch it all on photo and video. This way, they can relive the moment and emotions over and over again and were able to share the proposal with their friends and family back home.

The engaged couple is so excited to celebrate with you and endlessly grateful for all the love and support you have given them through their relationship and for all the years to come!

Thank you for your generosity and for celebrating this milestone moment with us. It means so much!