Ben & Maria ~ November 3, 2018
Ben and Maria met in high school in . . well, sort of an awkward way. Ben had just got turned 16 and could drive for the first time. What does every kid want when they've just received a driver's license hot-off-the-presses? To drive their closest friends around town on a Friday night, of course. When summoned, Ben's friends showed up with a cute blonde, one whom he had never met before, and crowded into his small vehicle. Apparently, Ben and Maria's common friends had decided to play match maker that evening, and despite Maria's objections, they made her sit right up front. In the middle seat. Shoved right next to Ben.
"I told my friend, 'I really cannot see myself with this guy!'" Maria recalls, laughing. But that's the thing about life. It has a way of taking us by surprise, leading us down a road we'd never have chosen ourselves, bringing us to exactly the place where we were always meant to be. Maria may not have recognized happiness and love when he sat right beside her for the very first time, but it didn't take long for her heart to open. As the pages of time turned, the two grew close, developing a friendship that eventually turned to love. Today, years later, Ben and Maria can always be found close together, often outdoors snowmobiling or four-wheeling, spending time with family or friends, or out on their farm with their dog, Cinch. The couple has taken on the task of caring for a herd of sheep, which keeps them busy all year.
Last year, Ben asked Maria to marry him while they were on a family vacation in Florida. The two had gone for a walk early on a Sunday morning on the beach. A large cruise ship was coming into harbor, and Maria, enamored, was taking pictures. When she turned back around, she found Ben, down on one knee. Maria didn't even hesitate. The answer was a very happy "yes."
On November 3rd, Ben and Maria were married at St. Augustine's in Schuyler. The heavy rain clouds that loomed over the sky that day couldn't damper the happiness and love bursting inside the church. As they couple held hands, standing side-by-side, they promised to love one another and spend the rest of their days together. This is, after all, exactly how it was always meant to be.
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Ben and Maria, thank you for choosing us to be part of your very beautiful day. We loved capturing all the lovely moments you shared and wish you a lifetime of happiness together.
