Man cleverly plans treasure hunt to propose to girlfriend

By Ben Barry via SWNS

A loved-up man planned a treasure hunt around New York to pop the question to his girlfriend.

Ben Cohen, 33, told his partner, Lexi Tobin, 26, he was on a business trip in North Carolina, US, on March 2, 2023.

But instead he planned an elaborate hunt with seven clues - which resulted in her finding him with an engagement ring at the end of it.

The scavenger hunt took Lexi to special locations during their relationship - including the Edition Hotel, Westlight bar in the William Vale Hotel where Ben was waiting to propose.

Exactly a year later, on March 2, 2024, Ben and Lexi got married in Brooklyn surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Ben, an outdoor hospitality company co-founder, from New York City, said: "It took me three to four months to plan.

"I planned a fake work trip but it was very hard for me to keep the secret as we both work from home so it was tough to have a phone call.

"I couldn't wait to see her face light up and smile when she saw me.

"I love all the little things about her - the way she looks at me, the way we're on the same page in our relationship and just how much fun we have together."

Lexi and Ben met at a bachelorette party for her sister, Perri, 33, in the Hamptons in June 2021 and "instantly connected" after he lent her a jumper as she was cold.

The pair said they connected instantly and went out for dinner before Ben flew back to Delray Beach, Fla., for work.

Two months later, the couple made it official and started planning their whole life together.

Lexi, a proposal planner, from New York City, said: "It was a really cold night, I was wearing a tank top. He noticed me shivering at the bar.

"He came up to me with a hoodie and gave it to me.

"We hit it off right away, he was leaving to go home to Florida but he wanted to take me out for dinner before he went back."

Two years into their relationship, Ben had told Lexi he had a work trip that would require him to be away for a few days.

Little did Lexi know, he was staying a few blocks away at the William Vale Hotel.

She said: "Ben told me months in advance that he needed to go on a work trip.

"He had sent me photos of the plane taking off and him being on the plane but he was in a hotel a few miles away.

"I also had what I thought was a really important work meeting at 4.30pm but Ben had set that up too."

Three minutes before the work meeting began, Ben sent Lexi a text asking if she could grab a package just before her meeting started.

With the package, there was a note that read: "On this adventure that’s just begun, this treasure you seek is just one. Grab your bag for a one-night stay, you’re about to become a fiancée."

Lexi ran back into her apartment to get changed before she went out on the treasure hunt around Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York.

She said; "I was in so much shock, I had a knock on the door after I went inside and it was my sister, Perri.

"We jumped, screamed and cried together.

"Then I went on a hunt around New York to all of our favorite stops that we have been through throughout our relationship."

The treasure hunt took Lexi to memorable locations in their relationship.

Lexi said: "The William Vale was a spot from one of our first dates.

"I was so eager to see Ben, I was so excited to see the final spot and see him at the place I fell in love with him.

"It was such a surreal moment, it was the best day of my life.

"Each card gave me a hint of where I would be going next.

"After our engagement, we had drinks at the hotel and went out for a meal with our families."

Lexi and Ben got married exactly a year later on March 2, 2024, at Liberty Warehouse, Brooklyn.

She said: "We wanted to get married in the place where we fell in love and got engaged.

"My wedding was everything we could have wished for and more.

"We had all our close family and friends, it was so special.

"Ben is the most supportive, caring, loving person that I have ever met.

"He always pushes me to be the best version of myself and he is a great listener and my best friend."