We met on the dating app Hinge. After talking on the app for a few weeks we decided to go on a first date. We met at Cooper's Hawk in Naperville on January 15, 2022 for a drink. While we met for a drink it also felt like an interview for both of us because we both kept asking questions to get to know one another better. Well we both passed because we decided to go on a second date the following weekend. This is when the real fun began. We both started feeling more comfortable and had a great time. We began to discover our common interests; hiking, trying new breweries, traveling, spending time with and hosting friends, 5K’s, puzzle games, playing cards, and finding new things to do. Each month we try to do at least one new activity. Colleen started this tradition before she met Ben and he was happy to join in the fun. After a few months of dating we went on our first big trip together to New Orleans. While there, Ben asked Colleen to move in with him, which she happily said yes to. Our relationship developed even further, now that we were living together. We continued to do all of the activities we enjoy and Ben finally got Colleen to join Orange Theory (one of his passions). While we continued to have fun, we also had the chance to support each other during some difficult times which allowed us to grow closer together. In 2023, Ben decided he wanted to run his first marathon and signed up for one in Seattle on Thanksgiving weekend. It was here that Ben swept her off her feet with a green ring pop and a proposal!