Our Story
How it started
Lauren and Ben's story began in Newport, introduced by a mutual friend. Despite some flirtation, their first date would wait until winter 2021, when Ben unexpectedly found himself in possession of an extra ticket to the Naval War College Holiday Ball at Rosecliff Mansion. Lauren seized the opportunity and invited herself. Ben certainly didn't object.
They attended as friends, but after an evening of dancing, fun, and endless compliments on their fabulous attire, it was obvious there was a deeper connection.
The timing wasn't perfect... Ben was set to move to DC in two short weeks for a new job! They promised to stay in touch.
Moving to Washington
Their story continued with a classic "will they, won't they" dynamic, until the stars aligned one more time. Not long after Ben relocated to Washington, DC, Lauren also secured a job offer she couldn’t refuse, bringing her back to the DMV again.
They began dating in earnest, and within a year, Lauren, Ben, and Nellie (the miniature goldendoodle), took the exciting step of moving in together.
The Proposal
To no one's surprise, in November 2024, Ben proposed to Lauren — and Lauren proposed to Ben — in a heartfelt exchange of engagement rings at a scenic river overlook in the Dogwood Collections in the National Arboretum (also, coincidentally, home to the Rhode Island Red Maple).
