"A few days before, he had given me a rose and asked me out on a date for the next night," Jessa, 21, told PEOPLE Magazine.
It was a triple date with both sets of parents, which surprised Jessa because she had no idea the Seewalds were in town. Before the night was over, Ben gave Jessa a box containing an iPad with a video message that he had recorded, saying: "This is the first clue to the rest of your life."
"I had done a few things to throw her off track," Seewald told PEOPLE. "Jessa is really good at figuring things out and I wanted to surprise her."
The scavenger hunt, which Ben said took him months to plan, began with a plane ride with pilot John-David Duggar from the Duggars' hometown of Springdale, Arkansas, to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Jinger Duggar accompanied Jessa.
Throughout the day, Jessa had to get a hole-in-one at a miniature golf course, collect a dozen roses from strangers in a park, take a trolley tour while filling out a quiz, and ride in a train with other members of her family. The final clue led her to Thorncrown Chapel.
"I walked in, and he was standing there at the front," Jessa told PEOPLE. "I could barely talk. I knew he was going to propose. I cried."
Ben got down on one knee and presented a .75-carat princess-cut diamond engagement ring.
Both the Duggars and the Seewalds are overjoyed.
"Michael and I could not be more thrilled for Ben and Jessa," Ben's mom, Guinn, told PEOPLE. "Having similar goals and interests, they balance and complement one another beautifully. We praise God for the blessing of this relationship between Ben and Jessa."
Following Duggar tradition, Ben had to ask Jim Bob's permission to marry Jessa. The Duggar dad was "100 percent on board" and gave Ben his blessing, along with Michelle's
If Jessa and Ben take the same route as Jill and Derick, they will have a short engagement. Jessa said that, like Jill, she wants to keep her wedding cost effective so she can splurge on the honeymoon.
That's a really creative way congrats. What a nice and pretty picture there perfect for each other
ReplyDeleteI love the ring, simple but very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo delighted for the Duggar Family to be celebrating weddings and more grandbabies! We are from Vancouver, Canada and so happy! Congratulations Jessa and Ben. You are following the biblical model of courting and marrying as soon as possible. Follow The Lord and may He be blessed and glorified in your marriage!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! May your marriage be filled with many blessings. God is good!!
ReplyDeleteSHE CRIED!!!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 She's always so practical, cut and dry, but she was moved to tears !!!!!!!!!!!! SO Precious! :) What a fun/clever way to propose!
ReplyDeletethat's so sweet!
ReplyDeleteI like the duggar family but since Josh and now Ben are talking public against catholics, i am really dissapointed. I am catholic and i follow them from romania. they have exactly traditional old families values. I am sure that in USA 50% from their viewers are catholic and Duggars don't respect them.....
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that they are not disrespectful to Catholics or anyone one else, for that matter. But they may point to scripture as the ultimate authority, and that that is their belief. They stand on God's Word, not being good people. Though it may not be popular, and may recieve backlash...I am Romanian, but live in America, btw.
DeleteI wish all US Catholics will forgive and forget, I have moved passed that issue, we all deserve to speak freely and have an opinion weather it's right or wrong.I love the Duggars but am also guilty of judging them on certain things that differ from myself.I think Ben has for more wonderful qualities and i cant wait to get to know him better.As long as he makes her happy then thats all that really matters:-)Congrats to the beautiful,God loving couple.Best of luck!
DeleteOh, that's so sweet! :) I think that was very unique to have a scavenger hunt to propose to Jessa...really neat! ;D I'm looking forward to seeing their wedding and watch how the Lord uses them to expand His Kingdom!! May He bless y'all abundantly, Ben and Jessa!!
ReplyDeleteFrom:
~Down South~
Could we plz have a close-up of Jessa's ring? Couldn't see it too well... thx!! : )
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jessa and Ben I hope your lives is filled with much love. Are you going to have a inside or outside wedding? I know that everyone wants achurch wedding but a outside wedding under the moon with lights is beautiful. Plus it is cheeper to have it at home.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and thoughtful way to propose. Happy for you two. Now we know why she couldn't show the front of the ring..it was contracted to People mag(again).
ReplyDeletewhen is the wedding date?
ReplyDeleteAww- that is a very sweet proposal! He put a lot of thought into it!
ReplyDeleteWishing them the best!
Blessings,
Grace
God bless you. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they set a wedding date! I think it will be a short engagement, similar to Jill's. Maybe October-November? In December their family has so many birthdays, and also the holidays. And I don't think the couple would want to wait till January. I'm also so curious where they will be living and if it will be close to Duggars or maybe they will move to Hot Springs. It's all so exciting!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you Jessa and Ben. Your going to be great husband and wife.
ReplyDeleteSmart thinking on cutting back on the wedding and splurging on the honeymoon ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo cute! That's so sweet that Jessa was in tears seeing her guy proposing!
ReplyDeleteThat is soooooooo romantic!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Ben, and I'm really happy for you, Jessa!
Congrats Ben and Jessa I'm so excited I love y'all -gabster epic
ReplyDeleteThat's such a sweet proposal!!!! I love how romantic Ben is :) I can't wait for September 2nd!!!
ReplyDeleteAwww... such a cute story!!!!! I love it! Lily and Ellie, i hope you can answer this question please. Do you know when and if the peoples magazine with Ben and Jessas engagement AND Jill and Dericks baby anouncement will be out in the magazine. If you can answer this, thanks so much!!!
ReplyDelete~Brooke~
Congratulations Ben and Jessa! You are a beautiful couple! Can't wait to see what the LORD had in store for your lives together! May God bless you and your families!
ReplyDeleteThere children are going to be gorgeous may God bless them with a beautiful engagement period and a long marriage filled with happiness and love
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Ben and Jessa!! I'm so excited for you two. You guys have such a beautiful love story. Can't wait to see you guys exchange vows, and begin the next chapter in your lives. Shalom!
ReplyDeleteWhat's happening on September 2?
ReplyDeleteThe new season of 19 kids and counting starts on September 2
DeleteThe new season starts.
DeleteNow that people released the images - When can we see more engagement pictures and or another ring pic? You said undercontract.....so cant they post yet.
ReplyDelete"This is the first clue to the rest of your life."
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! That is SO touching!!
Best of luck and great blessings to Jessa and Ben!!
Can't wait for 2nd of September.
It is SO nice to turn on the TV and see positiveness!
I think Ben looks better without his facial hair, but I guess he might think it makes him look older than he is...anyhow congrats to the darling couple! Wish them all the best :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! But maybe Jessa likes facial hair, like Jill.
DeleteCongrats Ben and Jessa!! Such a cute couple!! May God bless you union!! Love the show!!
ReplyDeleteLove these two!!!! :D wishing all the best to both of them. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ben and Jessa, God's very best to both of you..
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ben and Jessa! May God Bless you abundantly. I would also like to echo the concerns of past commentators regarding Ben's anti-Catholic remarks. His statements are pure ignorance and do not accurately reflect what the Catholic Church teaches. The manner in which he stated his comments was uncharitable (see 1 Corinthians) even if he thought it was a loving correction of his Catholic brothers and sisters. Believe me--it sounded "like a gong" to us Catholics. I do believe a public apology would have gone a long way. Bishop Fulton Sheen said this, "There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” So very true. May the Duggar family really pray on this...please do not divide the Body of Christ. We are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Many of us Catholics have very similar, traditional values like your family and enjoy the fact that you are so pro-life and open to children. Please do not alienate those who support you. Let's all stand together in charity and out of love for Our Lord. Ben--if I had the opportunity to have you meet my husband and have dinner with my family and friends, we would love to charitably clear up some misconceptions that you have...in the meantime, do know we pray for you all. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteYou know what Mrs Doubtfire would have said about all that grandiose show eh?
ReplyDeleteWow, that proposal has literally dropped my jaw as I type this: the best proposal ever!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Seewald!!!
If I was famous and I could get some money for my wedding and honeymoon from PEOPLE magazine I sure would! Can't wait for the next season and the one after that!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ben and Jessa !!! Can't wait to see the wedding
ReplyDelete-Brittany :)
I'm so exited for the two of you !!!
ReplyDelete-Brittany :)
My Congrats! Cant wait for another Duggar wedding!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet proposal!
ReplyDeleteTheir TV show has changed whole duggar family!
ReplyDeleteLove the ring!! Congratulations Ben and Jessa.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Ben and Jessa wishing you a healthy and happy life.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Ben and Jessa! You guys are such a cute couple. I love the scavenger hunt idea. I only wish the Duggars were more positive towards Catholics. The truth is that Catholics are Christians and Catholicism shares many of the same beliefs as Independent Baptists. Seriously, we may not have the exact same beliefs, but we need to join together to fight the evils in the world; we cannot make enemies of each other. From a 15 year old.
ReplyDeleteI pray the proposal will be part of the show? If so then this will be a season of tears( happy tears of course) bless you both:-):-):-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the happy couple. I just had a question, is it true that Ben and Jessa are publicly speaking against Catholics? (as posted in a previous comment) I am Catholic myself and have enjoyed watching the Duggars - I thought that we had common ground as Christians.
ReplyDeleteCongratulatios to Ben and Jessa- may God bless your message. I am disappointed about Ben's comments on Catholics- I don't believe he fully understands our religion. We must unite as Christians.
ReplyDeleteI really liked and respected this family with all my heart, but after their recent talk against Catholics, I am so hurt. Because they spoke out against my faith and because it caused me to question why they would have such a strong dislike against us. I never expected, especially from Ben. I like your blog and I'm happy for the couple, but this is a real issue and isn't a rumor or gossip, so I choose not to watch their show anymore. I don't think they care though, but they only portray one image on their show. So sad and disappointed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. I, too, am a devout Catholic and am praying about boycotting their show as well. Ben's comments created a division in the Body of Christ. I am reminding myself that he is young and does not understand the Catholic Faith. I forgive you, Ben. Please be more respectful in the future.
DeleteThat is soooo exciting!!! Ben did a fantastic job planning!! God Bless you both.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Ben and Jessa! I've followed the Duggars for several years now and enjoy hearing about their lives. I also got engaged today and am thrilled to start this new chapter of my life!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you! May The Lord have his way in your new journey of life!
DeleteCongratulations to Jessa and Ben! May God bless you! Love greetings from Germany
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jessa and Ben! I've wanted to say this since last week but now I have a chance! May God bless your engagement and wedding (which I hope will be soon:) ).
ReplyDeleteLove in Christ, Christian. Duggar fan from Oklahoma
Congratulations Jessa and Ben
ReplyDeleteI hope the best for them as well!
ReplyDeleteBed Bath and Beyond registry shows an October 1, 2014 wedding date.
ReplyDeleteI guess they set the date oct 1st
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for Ben and Jessa. I know some fans question wether they're truly in love, but it's obvious to me. Jessa and Jill are completely different people, so of course their relationships aren't going to look the same.Jessa may be a cut snd dry personality, but she and Ben compliment eachother beautifully...you can see how he brings out her softer side.
ReplyDeleteI do wish that Jill and Derrick would have held off on their pregnancy announcement just a while longer. I know they're really excited, and I'm excited for them. I just think that it would have been more thoughtful to give it some more time after Jessa's engagement. Even if TLC wanted to announce it before the upcoming season, they still could have held off for a week or two.
love it that he sort of challenged Derick to get to the altar first...and Derick won that one...I was surprised that Ben waited so long......He has been hinting for months....so happy for both of these beautiful couples....
ReplyDeleteSomehow that ring doesn't look like a princess cut, it looks round. Need a closer pic for more investigation
ReplyDeleteSo very nice that Bens parents were there as well, It's not all about the Duggars
ReplyDeleteIt is listed on www.theknot.com as October 1 also. That is 6 weeks away. Congrats and Good Luck. So much to do, so little time.
ReplyDeleteI just looked it up on that very website and it said it doesnt exsist. And apparently the so called gift registry is a fake too. It is speculated an obsessed fan made it up and once people got wind of it the pages were removed.
DeleteWow what a neat way to propose! I am excited and looking forward to Ben and Jessa's wedding.
ReplyDeleteThey make a cute couple and I'm sure they will be very happy together.
I posted a previous comment regarding my concerns about Ben's anti-Catholic remarks. It was thoughtful and charitable yet firm--but it was not published. That is quite disappointing.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand Mr. Seewald's rant on his facebook regarding controlling fathers of daughters. He seems to be calling Jim Bob "out" about a few things here, and there is some tension between the two of them... then a few days later, an engagement? They need to both address this as it doesn't make sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure that the October 1st date is real, as it is a Wednesday. Erin, Zach, Alyssa and Jill all married on a Saturday and Josh married Anna on a Friday. To me it seems a strange day to get married based on when others they know have married on. If it is true then that is great and I'm happy for them.
ReplyDeleteFor the people who have commented on the October 1 wedding date-are you sure that is a legitimate verified account? October 1 is a Wednesday which seems quite unusual even for the Duggar family, hopefully Ben and Jessa will confirm the date soon because 6 weeks to plan, no matter how simple the wedding may be, is a very short time. It usually takes at least a couple of months to have the brides dress ordered and altered.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I want to congratulate Jessa and Ben! I pray they have a wonderful, blessed marriage.
ReplyDeleteI must comment on the Catholicism issue. First of all, you can't judge the Duggar family according to Ben's comments. I have been watching this family for years, and I know they don't dislike Catholics or any other Christians of other faiths.As a matter of fact, they are friends with Rick Santorum who is Catholic. If the Duggars don't agree with another denomination's beliefs, they keep it to themselves, but they would never bash Methodists, Catholics, etc like Ben did. Yes, what Ben did was wrong, and sinful to be so judgmental, but he is also very immature still. He is only like 19 years old. As he matures in his spirituality, his discernment of one's integrity will deepen. He will begin to see people through their soul. He will learn to not judge other Christians so harshly and keep his comments to himself. I really feel like he needs to publicly apologize on FB, an interview etc, and ask for forgiveness. It's only the Christian thing to do. Catholics are wonderful, and have sooo much in common with Independent Baptists, like the Duggars. And Catholics are one of the last Christian faiths to speak badly of other faiths. I LOVE the Duggars and know they love Catholics and all Christians as a whole! I also know that whatever Ben says or does that is wrong is not reflective of the Duggar family. He is NOT a Duggar; he's a Seewald.
That was well said, i feel exactly the same and have expressed similar statements.I just wonder if the right people are reading it when we put it out there, it seems like we have to keep repeating ourselves over and over because those other comments keep coming up. You said it best though :-)
DeleteJessa wants to "splurge" on her honeymoon? Isn't her father paying for the wedding and not them??? So, what would it matter the cost of their wedding if JimBob is paying? Jessa's comment makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteOct 1 is a Wednesday. Interesting day to be married.
ReplyDeleteJessa said they are going to use the same decorations for the wedding that Jill used...I wonder if they will use the same bridesmaid dresses? I think Jessa has been planning for a quite awhile...maybe even had the dress already? Jim Bob told Jessa, so it was not a huge surprise, only that she didn't exactly know the date of the proposal for sure.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! My mom and I are so happy for you two. God bless you both!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful couple. : ) and for the people who say that the duggars are wrong for standing for the truth. You are all wrong.. they should continue to fight for righteousness... God Bless
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke,
The PEOPLE edition featuring the engagement and baby announcement came out at the end of last week and should still be available at most grocery stores and convenience stores across the country.
Blessings,
Lily and Ellie
@Maggie
ReplyDeleteHi Maggie,
Due to the high volume of comments we receive daily, we are unable to read through them all immediately. Your comment was very appropriate and has been posted. :)
~Lily and Ellie
If the Duggars disagree with Ben's Catholic comments and opinion, they should say so. Since they have chosen to remain silent so far, one can conclude that they agree with him but don't want to come out and say so. I think this is the way it is.
ReplyDeleteCongrats.....Ben and Jessa
ReplyDeleteWhat does Jessa expect from her marriage to Ben?
ReplyDeleteWhat is Ben like when he gets angry?
What is Jessa like when SHE gets angry?
Besides favorite scripture verses, I think these are important questions...don't you?
Lily and Ellie,
ReplyDeleteIs there a wedding date set?
Congrats
ReplyDeleteI can't understand why Catholics are offended by the words of Paul in Eph 2 or in the words of Jesus in John 14. Ben was only quoting them, why be offended in Ben?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous 83,
The Duggars have chosen not to officially announce the wedding date yet, so we are unable to confirm it. Ben and Jessa are in the thick of planning and are looking forward to sharing their special day with fans on TLC. :)
Blessings,
Lily and Ellie
anon. #80: i strongly disagree with the comment that the duggars must agree with ben or they would be speaking out about it. has it ever occured to you that the duggars may not be speaking out because it doesnt concern them? ben is an adult and made a comment about his opinion on a religion. he did not make a comment about the duggars so why would they have to respond? everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and that includes ben.
ReplyDeletethis reminds me of a cartoon my dad told me about. up at the pearly gates and there's 2 signs. the first one says 'the right religion' and the other says 'the wrong religion' and everyone is lined up under 'the right religion' sign! in other words, everyone thinks their religion is the right one. i myself am not a religious person, but that doesnt stop me from admiring the duggars for their convictions nor does it make me not want to watch the show. i dont believe they have ever said that their religion is 'the right religion', nor condemned anyone for not believing as they do. if you dont want to watch the show because you dont want to see ben, thats one thing. but not watching the show because the duggars arent saying anything?
God Bless Ben and Jessa. May your journey together forever be blessed by our Almighty God and you are forever embraced in His Grace and Love. Continue God's teachings...
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea planning the proposal like this. I hope the new season ends with this proposal. It would be good to see it this season rather than wait till after the new year
ReplyDeleteLOVE the proposal and love Ben and Jessa. My husband and I were married at the Thornecrown Chapel a little over a year ago after being apart for 28 years. It is so spiritual and beautiful there. Look forward to see what their life together brings them. Their personalities together are so refreshing and fun. Have a perfect wedding day :)
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteIn response to anonymous 34, what a beautiful, Christian and healing response you have written. I too am Catholic and, as a Christian, value the traditional and moral ideals that the Duggars promote. Although Ben's comments are misguided and reflect a lack of understanding(however well intentioned), he is only 19 years old and we all have said things at times that we regret. I do however, believe an apology from Ben would be appropiate. As Christians, we are all called to forgiveness. Furthermore, I applauad the fact that you courdially invited Ben to your home for open communication. Obviously, you are true followers of Christ. I echo your comments on the fact that all Christians need to stand together. God Bless!