Countdown to Our Wedding
Our Story
How We Met
Once upon a time—ten years ago to be exact—two young 18 year olds stepped into an elevator at a hotel on their very first day of orientation. Grace and Bennett. Strangers, yet somehow... not. It was one of those quiet, fleeting moments that didn't feel fleeting at all—like the universe was whispering "pay attention."
From that moment on, we were inseparable friends. We took freshman English together, though we spent more time talking than learning—so much so that we were kicked out of class one day (oops). But truth be told, neither of us really loved school, and we were too busy enjoying each other's company to mind.
Throughout our years at the University of Arizona, we stayed close. There were countless bowls of pho, endless music festivals, spontaneous adventures, and plenty of deep talks—including one particularly memorable conversation where we both vented about our (very wrong-for-us) significant others. Looking back, the signs were all there.
But the magic truly began one summer before Grace's senior year when they both stayed behind to grind. Tucson was quiet. The air was hot and still. We stayed in town and started spending more time together—driving to Scottsdale just for dinner because we were bored, always going to grab banana milkshakes, laughing for hours with nowhere to be. The kind of summer that feels like a secret kept just between two people.
And somewhere between the drive and the ice cream, the laughter and the long talks, we realized the truth:
We weren't just best friends.
We were each other's soulmates.
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The Proposal
It was a rainy August morning in Amsterdam—the kind of romantic, storybook rain that soaks the cobblestone streets and makes everything shimmer just a little more. Bennett had planned something truly special: a private cruise through the canals on a 100-year-old, all-electric vintage boat. It was charming, timeless… and completely soaked.
We spent the morning darting through the city, laughing as the wind flipped our umbrellas and the rain soaked our shoes. Grace had a feeling something might happen that day, but as we boarded the boat and drifted along the glistening canals, nothing did. Just misty windows, rippling water, and a beautiful tour of Amsterdam.
An hour passed. Grace began to let go of the idea. Maybe this was just a lovely—albeit soggy—boat ride. She was loving it still, saying she's always been a gloomy girl at heart.
But while Grace stepped into the tiny boat bathroom (unaware that Bennett had been waiting exactly for that moment), everything began to quietly unfold. He reached into his hidden pocket for the ring. The captain came back, gave him a knowing nod, and whispered, "You ready?"
As we sailed farther into the heart of Amsterdam, the captain began to tell us a story—one that's been told for generations. We were approaching the Magere Brug, or "Skinny Bridge," the most romantic bridge in all of Amsterdam. It's steeped in legend: A kiss between lovers on this bridge—or as they pass beneath it—guarantees that your love will last forever. And just before we glided under its white arches, Bennett turned to Grace, heart pounding, and asked the question that changed everything.
She said yes.
And as we kissed beneath the bridge, the legend sealed itself into our story forever.
Afterward, we celebrated with a towering lunch of oysters, lobster, and ginger tea - the kind of seafood feast dreams are made of. But the magic didn't end there. That evening, we dined at De Kas, Grace's favorite restaurant in the entire world—an intimate, farm-to-table gem in Amsterdam where all the produce is either grown onsite or harvested daily from their own farm. It was the perfect, soul-filling end to the most unforgettable day of our lives.
Wedding Details
Ceremony & Reception
December 9, 2025
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Elegant Beach Attire
Recommended: Light fabrics, prints and colors
Ladies: Upscale Beach/Hawaiian Vibes
Gentlemen: Suits (ties optional) Linen Preferred
Please no shorts or flip flops
Venue
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Oceanfront ceremony
Oceanfront dinner at ULU
Travel
Fly to Kona International Airport (KOA)
The resort is 20 minutes from the airport
Car rentals available at the airport
Wedding Schedule
Pre-Wedding Day Activities
TBD
Wedding Day
Details TBD
Oceanfront dinner at ULU
4-course meal with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Working with more than 160 farmers and fishermen on Island, the culinary team is a leader is sustainable dining. ULU features cuisine that is 75% sourced from Hawai'i Island
Post-Wedding Day Activities
TBD
Accommodation
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Experience luxury at its finest on the Kona-Kohala coast at our wedding venue.
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Room Block Information
Please indicate in your RSVP if you're planning to stay at the resort. Room block details will follow. Minimum 3 night stay required.
Your Presence is Our Present
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. We're so excited to celebrate this special day with our favorite people.
(Though if you insist on celebrating with a gift, we gratefully welcome a contribution toward our honeymoon adventures.)
RSVP
Please respond as soon as possible