We love a great national park proposal story, don’t you? We knew that we wanted to feature Lauren & Benjamin’s Zion National Park marriage proposal story.
Share with us when and how you met each other.
We both grew up in the same hometown of Forest Park, IL. I went to private school, while Ben attended public school, so we didn’t meet until our late teen years. One day while I was babysitting, I took the kids to the playground. My friend Elizabeth said she wanted to stop by and say “Hi” and she had a friend with her. That friend was Ben and the rest is history.
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
Take trips to new and fun places. Our favorite place to go to is Southern Utah. There, we love to go 4-wheeling, hike and explore the National Parks. We also love impromptu Sunday date days, watching movies, cuddling with our dogs, and listening to country music.
How long were you together before getting engaged?
11 years
Share your Zion National Park marriage proposal story…
Ben and I originally planned a trip to Las Vegas and Utah for our 11-year anniversary in August. We would spend a couple of days at Zion National Park (our favorite) first and then spend the rest of the trip in Vegas to see our FAVORITE country artists – Shania Twain and George Strait. I was most looking forward to seeing Shania and spent several months listening to her music nonstop to prepare.
Unfortunately, we planned this trip in February, and then the pandemic hit. Both concerts were forced to cancel, and Las Vegas was shut down. I was super bummed, but Ben kept trying to cheer me up and told me we would still have an amazing trip in Utah and would revamp our plans for the Vegas portion. We ended up planning to go 4-wheeling in Moab for the second half of the trip, so I was looking forward to that.
August came, and we arrived at Zion National Park. Ben went in to check into the room alone while I gazed at the gorgeous red rock all around. The resort was beautiful and right at the entrance of the park. When we got to our room, we had a beautiful view of The Watchman and the pool. I also noticed a box of chocolates and rose petals on the bed that Ben had arranged.
The next day/our first full day at Zion, we planned to hike Observation Point, which has a breathtaking view of Angels Landing at the end. It was a difficult and exhausting couple of hours hiking, but when we made it to the top, the view was definitely worth it!!
After taking in the views and having lunch on the cliff, Ben asked if I wanted to go down to a more private area on the other side of the cliff. We walked over to a spot with trees, shade, and no one in sight. Ben told me to turn and face the canyon, and he will take a picture of me looking out into Zion. He took the picture and said, “ok, do you want to see it?” I turned around, and he was down on one knee!
I was so shocked and excited that I took a step backward towards the ledge and Ben had to grab my arm to pull me back in so I wouldn’t fall off the cliff. When he asked me to marry him, of course, I said yes! We spent the next hour sitting in “our spot” of Zion and couldn’t be happier together.
The whole hike back, I couldn’t help but stare at my beautiful ring and new fiancé. The rest of the trip was an absolute dream, an “engagement-moon” if you will. We will forever have a spot in Zion National Park, and I couldn’t have picked a more perfect place for Ben to propose. I can’t wait to marry my best friend of 11+ years and the love of my life.
What was the best moment of the proposal?
The hug after the proposal. Best hug of my whole life
Who did you tell that you were engaged first?
My parents. We called them from the top of the mountain!
Tell us about the ring!
It’s gorgeous! It’s a 2ct round stone. The setting is a 6-prong, 14-carat white gold knife-edge band from James Allen.
I think just the wedding planning in general. You hear people say how stressful it is, but you don’t realize it until you’re in it!
I feel like we have entered a new chapter in our relationship. We are even more in sync and connected than ever before.
What are you most excited about wedding planning?
Planning surprises for the guests and really “wow-ing” everyone!
If you’ve already decided, when are you getting married and what is your venue?
10/15/21 at Club Lake Plantation in Apopka, FL
Why did you choose that venue?
The venue is absolutely gorgeous and fits our personal vibe/style. It’s everything we wanted in a venue.
100-150
There are certain things we are willing to splurge for, but other areas where we will want to save money. I try to think about “will this really matter” and “will people even notice/remember this”. I feel like so many brides plan all these little details, and they spend tons of money on things that will go unnoticed.
Rustic elegance
Have you selected any other vendors for your wedding?
Catering: Foodie Catering
Photographer: Inspired by Emotion Photography
DJ: Our DJ Rocks
Florist: Orlando Flower Market
Bridal Gown: Aurora Bridal
Enjoy the engagement! I have moments where I get so wrapped up in wedding planning that I need to remind myself to take a step back and enjoy being a fiancé! Also, bridal subscription boxes like Miss to Mrs are a fun way to keep the excitement throughout your engagement!
Congratulations Lauren & Benjamin on your Zion National Park marriage proposal!
Want to feature your proposal? CLICK HERE to submit your story!
