When Love Finds You: Erin Napier's Heartfelt Story Of Meeting Ben

Hey there, friends. Let me take you back to a love story that feels like it’s straight out of a movie. Erin Napier, the charismatic HGTV star, recently took to Instagram to share an unforgettable moment from her past. She met her husband, Ben Napier, back in the days when they were students at Jones College in Ellisville, Mississippi. In her post, she confesses with heartfelt emotion, “I loved him before I even knew him.” This story isn’t just about two people meeting—it’s about the spark that ignited something special.

That Life-Changing Day in December 2004

Now, picture this: It’s December 7, 2004, and Erin’s life is about to change forever. At just 37 years old today, she recalls how this pivotal moment unfolded. As the design editor of the yearbook, she found herself volunteering for the photo shoot of none other than her future husband, Ben. Erin wasn’t shy about her excitement. She admitted, “I was thrilled by the idea of spending an afternoon with him, my biggest crush since Ryan Dunn in the 10th grade, whether he paid me any attention or not.” That’s right—Ryan Dunn from "Jackass" fame was her earlier teenage crush, but Ben Napier was about to take the top spot in her heart.

A Crush That Turned Into Something More

Erin shared that Ben, who is now 39, wasn’t just some random guy on campus; he was a force of nature. “He was such a fun person to watch,” she revealed. “I wanted so badly to be his friend because he had a way of making anyone he spoke to feel like they were special.” There’s something about people who light up a room, isn’t there? Erin was smitten even before they officially became friends. When it came time for the yearbook photoshoot, their paths crossed in a way neither could have predicted.

Read also:

Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman In Heartwarming Family Photos

As they worked on the photoshoot, something remarkable happened. Erin recounts, “I walked by, and he reached out for my arm—for a hug, and I, ever coolly, gave him a one-arm side hug.” But Ben wasn’t having it. He playfully insisted, “Two arms, please!” And just like that, he wrapped her in a warm embrace. That moment was a game-changer for Erin. She noticed how big he was—6-foot-6 inches and nearly 300 pounds—and how small she felt in his arms. “I could smell the laundry detergent he used, his cologne, and I melted,” she wrote. Sometimes, those little sensory details are what make memories stick.

A Love Story That Grows Stronger with Time

Six days after that fateful meeting, Erin and Ben professed their love for each other. They knew they were meant to be together, and they decided right then and there that they’d get married someday. They both transferred to the University of Mississippi, where they graduated with bachelor’s degrees. In November 2008, they tied the knot, starting a beautiful life together. They welcomed two daughters, Helen and Mae, into their family. In August 2022, the hosts of Home Town revisited the place where it all began. “Had lunch at our alma mater today and took a picture in the spot where we met in the yearbook office,” Erin captioned an Instagram photo with Ben. “We were 19 and 21 and had no idea this is what our future would be like. Still my biggest crush.”