Ben, 27, proposed to LaToya, 28, on his 27th birthday while aboard a sunset cruise in his hometown of Miami. They met on eHarmony.com in 2009 and plan to marry this summer in Atlanta.
After Ben’s surprise proposal, he and LaToya couldn’t wait to share the news with their friends and family. “My parents knew he was proposing because he had asked them both for permission,” says LaToya, who admits she thought Ben might propose over the holidays, or on New Year’s Eve, the anniversary of when they first met online. “They just didn’t know when it was happening.”
“It’s really amazing how God is bringing us closer together through our engagement,” admits LaToya. “I thought I knew Ben well, but I’m learning so much more each day. I love the vulnerability and intimate conversations and experiences that we can share as we prepare to become one.”
Since Ben was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist, and LaToya grew up in a non-denominational household, the couple admits it has been quite a challenge for them to find a Christian ceremony style that suits both their family’s traditions.
Just as wedding planning began to get the best of the happy couple, LaToya says their amazing planner Eliana, of ellyB Events, swooped in to save the day. “She’s helped everything come together so nicely,” she says. “Ideas I never dreamed of are now a part of our wedding day, and I’m having a blast.”
When LaToya and Ben aren’t taking painting or cooking classes you might find them salsa dancing, riding bikes, or playing with their dogs.
Ben, a songwriter and producer, wrote songs for LaToya during their courtship. To hear what he had to say to the love of his life, visit the couple’s wedding website.
“LaToya is a beautiful, educated woman with swag,” says Ben. “She is just what I was looking for.”
“I was intrigued by his passion for music, commitment to family, and sense of humor,” recalls LaToya, who had a feeling Ben was “The One” early on in their relationship.
“I’m a very strong woman, and some would say, it takes a special person to love me,” admits LaToya. “Well, Ben is that very special person.”
“Over time as our friendship deepened, and our love blossomed, I saw Ben as the most patient, loyal, and compassionate person in my corner. I knew God had sent him to be my lifetime partner.”
“It only took me two or three weeks of dating to know that LaToya was ‘The One’,” says Ben. “I started to fall in love with everything about her, and I even tried to catch myself a few times, but it didn’t work. I wanted to fall.”
