KATIE & BEN

Ben and Katie's story began in the early hours of a Sunday morning after a night out in Manly, Sydney. Both had been out celebrating different friends' birthdays. While waiting for her Uber, Katie walked past two boys who were also waiting for their ride. One of the boys shouted, "I know her," to which Katie sarcastically replied, "Sure you do..." The boy then said, "You're Katie," and she, surprised, responded, "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, how do I know you?" The boy revealed, "You ghosted me on Hinge."

That boy was Ben, and despite the unconventional introduction, they hit it off immediately. Ben insisted that Katie couldn't refuse his invitation for a first date now.

Their first date was the following Friday, with a last-minute change to attend an AFL game. They talked the entire time, with Ben charmingly asking for permission to kiss Katie (Ben would like to acknowledge Swans had a 106-100 victory over Collingwood). After the game, they headed for a drink, and Ben made sure Katie got home safely to Bondi before he headed back to Neutral Bay.

From that memorable first date, their relationship blossomed. They share a passion for travel and have explored nine countries together so far. At the start of this year, they welcomed their adorable puppy, Trevor, into their family.

After a year and a half of adventures and shared memories, Ben completely surprised Katie by proposing on Christmas Eve in the enchanting German town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Ben had meticulously planned every detail, spending weeks liaising with the German hotel they were staying at and enlisting the help of German-speaking friends to ensure everything worked out perfectly.

On the day of the proposal, Ben created a magical setting with rose petals arranged in the shape of a heart on the floor, surrounded by a backdrop of red roses. Standing in the middle of this romantic scene, Ben waited for Katie. When Katie walked into the room and realized what was happening, she was completely shocked, her first reaction being, "Shut up!"

Ben then got down on one knee and proposed to Katie with a ring inside a golden snitch ring holder from Harry Potter. To make the moment even more special, Ben had filmed a secret video of Katie earlier in the day, whispering into it, "I'm proposing to you today, and I love you very much."

What makes their relationship truly special is their bond as best friends. They support and encourage each other, share similar passions, and back each other in interests that may not be shared. They love making each other laugh, having fun together, and creating incredible memories.

As they prepare to celebrate their love with you, they are grateful for every moment that has led them to this point and look forward to many more adventures together.