Taking it back all the way to 2013, Ben's sister and I worked together at my very first job, Chatters Hair Salon. Julianna and I worked together often, and eventually a friendship blossomed out of our co-worker relationship. After I experienced some teenage heartbreak and swore off all men (as any 16-year-old girl would do), Julianna insisted I start texting her brother, Ben.

Our love story begins like any other high school relationship, at a party. When Ben finally got the nerve to talk to me, he was at least 1/4 of a 2'6 of Captain Morgan's deep. We talked the whole entire party, and he even walked me to my car at the end of the night (chivalry is alive and well people). This would be the scenario for a few weeks before (finally) he asked me to be his girlfriend.

My friends in high school used to bug me that all I ever did was spend time with Ben. Whether we were walking out at Chickakoo lake, fine dining at Red Lobster, or enjoying a night in, we spent the majority of our spare time together. We quickly became each others best friend, and no amount of time together seemed to ever be enough.

In the last 10 years (!!!!!) we've had many opportunities to enjoy what we love doing the most together- being outdoors. Our annual Summer camping trips in Jasper, snowboarding together in the Winter, and of course our yearly trip to Vancouver Island. Being that Ben was born in Nanaimo, and grew up on the island, going back each year feels like I get to experience a part of Ben that he holds close to his heart.

As much as we both love adventure and experiencing all the beauty the world has to offer, we are both quite content spending slow Sunday mornings together drinking coffee, having a cozy night in on the couch, or spending time with family.

In 2019, during one of our trips to Vancouver Island, we decided to spend a few nights out in Tofino/Ucluelet. Since then, we have made it a point to go back each year. Between the vast sandy beaches, tall evergreens, and misty mountain mornings, we fell in love with all Tofino & Ucluelet have to offer.

Ben proposed along the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet on September 11, 2023 and it was completely unexpected. In true Sarah fashion, I cried so hard he literally had to laugh at me while asking, "Will you marry me?". I truly was so surprised, and was so touched that he proposed in a place that means the world to the both of us. The island feels like a second home to the both of us, and is our favourite retreat.

The West Coast brings a certain palpable magic that we can't wait to share with the ones we love. Tofino captured our hearts, and we hope it captures yours too. We can't wait to see you there!

Xoxo,

Sarah & Ben