When people ask when we met, we chuckle and say we don't know, we were just kids! You see our grandparents lived three houses apart and close to Ben too and being only one year apart, we were often crossing paths from little on up. We both remember walks up to Turkey Hill for slushies as kids and helping at church events over the years like the festival and VBS. Soon enough, we were both off to college, Ben close by at Millersville and Staci off to Penn State, both studying Biology. Those years passed, and Staci moved back to the area after college. Little did Staci know that even back then Ben's grandma would often say, "Why don't you take Staci out to Jim Mack's for mini-golf, it doesn't have to be a date, it can just be hanging out!" Staci started coming back around at church, getting involved in activities, and saw Ben was there and involved too. You may think this is where the big Jim Mack's first date comes in, but you would be wrong. We both remember talking at church, it was great to have someone else to talk "nerdy science" with, but this was still just the seeds for what would bloom into an awesome friendship and then our love story. In 2017, our youth minister, Rich (now Fr. Rich Groff who we are honored to have as our main celebrant at the wedding!), left for seminary and in some of God's coolest plans we (along with Laura - our amazing Core Team co-leader) started to take the reins of the youth ministry. Over the next few years we got to know each other so much better, learning each other's faith stories as we prepared activities and chaperoned events. We certainly had several "unofficial" 1st dates, like meeting at Black Olive to plan the Christmas party skit. In 2020, amidst all of the changes in our world and realizing how we missed seeing each other, we helped decorate the church for Anne's wedding (thanks for the planning on that one!) and after being at her wedding, although we didn't attend "together", we started talking more outside of just event plans. Thanks to some little "birdies" too, we both realized that maybe there was more than just a good friendship here, but both of us wondered if the other felt the same. We kept meeting up planning activities, and one weekend in November 2020, even took a 10 mile hike talking the whole time "cause it was too nice to plan inside." At this point, we both felt the connection. The next weekend, we met again, and after spending hours planning a virtual Advent series, "youth group" pizza courtesy of Mark, and a movie night added on thanks to a well-timed thunderstorm, we held hands for the first time, and after the movie completely spilled all our true feelings for one another. We both knew that night that this was the start of something special. The next couple years were filled with many hikes, plenty of take-out, game nights, holiday celebrations, vacation trips, and all the church events! After looking at engagement rings together, Ben went on September 27th (Staci's late mother's birthday) to pick out the ring. After a trip outside to see the sparkle of a particular stone, Ben decided on that one and proposal plans were in motion! As we got into fall, Ben added "Cookie Baking at Grandma's" on our shared Google Calendar for Dec. 17th. Little did Staci know that this was actually a cover for the most tort-ally awesome proposal. Soon enough the 17th rolled around, Staci came over to Grandma's for cookie baking, and after Audrey welcomed her into the kitchen (complete with baking supplies), Staci went into the living room and there was Ben getting down on one knee and Norbit (Ben's tortoise) with a little Christmas tree on carrying the ring! After an excited "Yes!" and some signature selfies, we went to celebrate with family (and take pictures by all the Christmas trees!). We both knew we wanted a spring wedding, and are so excited to be getting married in May, sharing a wedding month with both of our parents and in honor of Our Blessed Mother Mary.