This is our story

That’s direct messages for you old folks’.

Back in 2019, in the most modern way possible, Ben was captivated by a photo of Jade, a picture of herself looking in a mirror, and bypassed the: “Hey” or “u up?” and hit her with, “Do you have any pets?” Random? Absolutely. Memorable? Clearly.

Jade responded, and a friendship quickly began.

Despite Jade’s firm belief that she wasn’t looking for a boyfriend, Ben’s cheeky smirk and endless ability to make her laugh soon changed her mind.

By 2020, just nine months into dating, Ben’s family was preparing for a big trip which meant he needed to find a new place to live. So, at just 17 and 18, we took the step to move in together. What could have been risky turned into our greatest comfort.

Very quickly, Ben and Jade took a warm role in each other’s families following lockdown and became even more inseparable.

Jade quickly earned her stripes with the Elwood-Smiths. Her first test? The legendary family hike. Despite zero wilderness training, she powered through earning some elusive Brownie points in Iona’s top-secret approval ledger (no easy feat).

Ben swooned both the Cartwrights and McKendreys but it was the McKendreys he truly stunned. His natural swagger, brutal honesty, and humour left them speechless… for a full five seconds. A family record.

Ben and Jade fell into life together seamlessly, and for fun (and maybe chaos), they bought a dog. Enter Lola: the weirdest little creature who brings endless love, laughter, stress… and rocks. She made the trickier parts of adulting a bit lighter, and reminded them that life as a family is what really matters.

And on it went, moving out as a little family of three, and at the time moving in with Dylan (the soon-to-be best man you’ll meet if you haven’t already). They started focusing on the future: planning a trip to Europe, saving for their first home, and soaking up all the ups and downs life threw at them. Because it’s not every day you find your person so young, and get to build a life together, one chaotic, beautiful step at a time.

January 2024, During a getaway to Martinborough, Ben proposed. Jade’s initial freak-out gave way to a teary, stunned “Are you sure?” followed by a very excited “Yes!”

Later in 2024, Ben and Jade set off on their long-awaited trip to Europe. It began perfectly, with Ben terrified of flying, followed by a swift case of food poisoning… and Jade’s absolute fear of vomit. Off to a strong start.

But from there, it was magic. They still dream about the pizza in Rome, lemon slushies on their Cinque Terre hike, the museums, the pasta, the heat—ah, pure bliss.

Just in case you thought these two didn’t have enough on their plate… they bought a house! A full-blown reno project, of course. Demolition kicked off the very day they moved in – classic. With the wedding around the corner, the tools are (temporarily) down, but the plan is to dive back in as soon as the party’s over. Dust, paint, and Pinterest boards await, my word, you should see Jade’s pinterest…

And that’s just a snippet of our story, so many more adventures, memories, and inside jokes have made this journey what it is. We honestly cannot wait to get married.

And a little note from me (Hi, it’s me Jade, switching to first person now): I truly can’t wait to marry this beautiful man. He was my best friend first, and now he’s the greatest love of my life. The joy he brings me is like no other, and I can’t wait to show you just how much I love him.

Also, can we all take a minute to admire him for doing such an incredible job on this website?! Okay, bye!