June 24, 2023
Mary Katherine and Ben’s love story began when they were in high school. Although Ben had always liked Mary Katherine, she never saw him in that way until after their first date. It was Mary Katherine’s friends who encouraged her to give Ben a shot, and once she did, she was hooked. From there, they were inseparable, enduring four years of college and two years of grad school miles apart. Finally, they could put their long-distance relationship behind them!
Ben’s proposal took Mary Katherine completely by surprise. He worked closely with her mom to pull off the perfect moment during their family trip to California. Ben, ever the jokester, teased Mary Katherine about a public proposal prank. When they reached the Botanical Building in Balboa Park in San Diego, Ben dropped to one knee. At first, Mary Katherine thought it was part of the joke, but when he pulled out the ring, she was speechless. The rest of their trip was filled with family celebrations—and plenty of free desserts!
Mary Katherine and Ben envisioned an elegant, classic, and timeless wedding day. The venue, The Inn at Blackstone, holds a special place in Mary Katherine’s heart, as her Nana was in the last graduating class of this former women’s college that was eventually turned into a boutique hotel. “I was so proud that something so beautiful and grand as the Inn was in my charming small town. I never imagined that I would say “I do” in front of the grand staircase on this historic property.” The décor was simple yet beautiful, with off-white linens, gold silverware, and lush greenery. Floral arrangements were a focal point with pale pink and white flowers bringing life to the space. Their favorite part of the day was a first look, which gave them a private moment to share their vows without the stress of a crowd. It was a much-needed pause in the busy wedding day, and they cherished the time together.
Since the wedding, Mary Katherine and Ben have settled into a home just a block away from their venue and are excited about the next chapter—adopting a dog and continuing their journey together with family close by.
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