Our love story began over 12 years ago in the wild city of San Francisco. We met on the 2nd floor of Mary Park, the dormitory we lived in during our freshman year of college. Ben, being the friendly and extroverted type, roamed the halls of the dorm looking to make friends, and let’s face it, talk to girls. He approached Claudia and McKenzie, her roommate and soon to be best friend, in the hallway to introduce himself. We kept running into each other, and after being won over by Claudia’s dazzling wit, Ben finally mustered the courage to ask Claudia out. Our first date was at the Dining Center, where we had to use our own meal credits to eat tolerable buffet food. We spent the rest of the year together, discovering our love for hiking, exploring parks, going to shows, and venturing around the city.
Ben's moment: I knew that Claudia was the one when we went on an adventure to Sausalito, we walked from San Francisco across the Golden Gate bridge, taking photos and climbing trees along the way. There have been many moments throughout our relationship that I have stopped and thought that Claudia has always been such an amazing friend and thoughtful person. We still have the photos from this day and whenever I look at them I always smile remembering that feeling of having an unconditional best friend, and appreciating that this hasn't changed one bit. If she's willing to climb trees with you, she's probably a keeper!
Claudia’s moment: I can’t recall a time when I didn’t know Ben was the one. From our first date at the Dining Center to climbing trees and going for walks together, it felt like we just fell into place like two puzzle pieces. Ben found a place in my heart, and it’s been his ever since.
The summer of 2021 was full with adventure and possibility. We took a road trip to Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Arches National Park to enjoy a week of glamping and hiking. In Zion, we arrvied at the Desert Pearl Inn, where chocolates and rose petals awaited our arrival. The patio door of our room opened up to a beautiful river and a backdrop of the sandstone cliffs. On our second night, under the stars and along the river bank, Ben brought out chairs and a lantern. As the sun set with the sighing pines, Ben sang Claudia a country ballad he had written for her. Right before he sang the last lyric asking if she would marry him, he began to unwind the strings of his guitar. We sat in an uncomfortable silence for what seemed to be an eternity before Ben was able to fish the ring box out of his guitar. Finally, he got down on one knee and popped the question! Overcome with happiness, we walked over to the lawn to lay under the stars and talk about the extrodinary adventure that lay ahead of us.