We're getting married!

Once upon a time, in the spring of 2000, a girl walked into a library and met the man of her dreams. Ben and Anna began as friends, spending time together in the library for study hall, and hanging out after school. Christmas Eve 2000, they went for a walk in Vaughn Woods. On a bench overlooking the Salmon falls river, they snuggled together in the briskness of winter, listening to the ice crackling. Ben presented Anna with a Christmas gift and shared what was in his heart. That night became their anniversary and began a tradition of romantic walks each Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve 2018 their anniversary walk took them back to where it all began. Ben traveled back to his home town earlier in the day to set in motion a romantic surprise. With tradition and respect, he visited Eliot, asking for Mr. Gardner’s blessing. As Ben and Anna drove to Vaughn Woods that evening, Anna thought it was just their usual yearly tradition. Hand in hand, they set out to walk the paths of their youth. Through the sweet smelling pines, they remembered all the walks through the years, and the memories they'd shared. They found the bench from years ago, and sat for a moment. Ben soon urged them on, having found a spot, so he claimed, where the view of the river was clear, so Anna strode jauntily ahead. She walked along a wooden bridge and looked out to the water, thousands of Christmas lights magically light up. Soft lilting tones of Christmas music drifted across the river, to the little spot in the woods, aglow with lights. With wonder and amazement, Anna spun around, Ben knelt before Anna with a forest green velvet box in hand. Presenting his grandmother’s ring, he asked her to marry him. With a tear in her eye, and love in her heart, Anna said yes. Just as they walked together on that magical night, they have journeyed together on their paths through life. They look forward to sharing a lifetime of walks, together, forever. Please join us for our walk down the aisle on May 21st.