Our Love Story 

By Caitlyn 

April 2021: We both swiped right on Hinge (shoutout to Hinge for its matchmaking magic). I was instantly captivated by his photo in a corset because, honestly, what kind of man confidently rocks a corset in public? I simply had to know more.

May 2021: We were talking every day but kept postponing the first date because of my exams. I even texted a friend, “He’s interesting, but it’s not like I’m going to marry him.” Famous last words.

June 2021: Finally, our first date! We went mini-golfing at Ferrymead Golf, and to this day, Ben insists we played the wrong course. Regardless, we had a fantastic time filled with laughter, titillating deep conversations, and just enough competitiveness to keep things interesting. Three dates in, and we decided to make it official, because why wait when it’s obviously meant to be?

August 2021: The first "I love yous" were exchanged, which I said first by approximately two seconds, and don't let him tell you otherwise. And the rest, as they say, is history. ❤️ 

The Proposal

By Ben & ChatGPT

I always knew I’d never be able to surprise Caitlyn—she’s got a sixth sense for when something’s up. Planning a proposal? No exception.

We spent months ring shopping (together, because let’s be real, I wasn’t about to take that gamble). She found the ring, sent pics to all her friends, and I knew showing up with anything else would be a crime. So, I went back to secretly buy it—she caught on immediately.

Then came the hiding game. Caitlyn, love her dearly, is a world-class snoop. Over four months, I had to relocate the ring five times. She claims she never looked at it—I do not believe her. The winning spot? Inside my spare computer tower. She never even thought to check.

I wanted to propose in America, surrounded by her family, which was tricky since I’d never been there. Thankfully, her family helped me pick the perfect spot—Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Naturally, a day before the proposal, Caitlyn sniffed out my plan and straight-up asked if I was proposing. I, of course, lied (badly). She responded by getting fully glammed up just in case.

At the gardens, her family and friends—who also knew—totally missed my silent “walk away” signals. Eventually, they got the hint and hid behind some bushes just in time for me to propose at a gazebo decorated as a beehive. The moment was almost perfect… until a rogue water droplet ruined the camera lens. Didn’t matter—I got down on one knee, she tripped over her own feet, and still managed to say yes.

Post-proposal, we celebrated with a dairy-free chocolate cake (shoutout to Emma) and I found a tiny bee trinket at the gift shop to commemorate the moment. Mission accomplished.

Thanks to Wayne Allott for the photos

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

This site has all the info you need to come and celebrate with us in Christchurch, New Zealand!