The first words Mariah ever said to Adam were "Oh cool, Paula's Pancakes!" They had immediately found common ground between her time at UCSB and his nearby hometown of Solvang. Starting as co-workers at a sports marketing startup they quickly became friends. Friendship escalated to school-yard style passing of sweet-nothing notes, leaving of surprises, and "subtle" flirting. During this time, they explored the city of San Francisco and Bay Area together. Adam showed Mariah all of his 'stomping grounds' and favorite restaurants while Mariah dragged Adam along to touristy attractions and her favorite art exhibits. Their different perspectives created a nice balance that broadened both of their experiences and appreciation for one another. Friendship grew into a strong relationship that endured through long distance when Adam moved to Santa Barbara. Mariah later followed, but as she will adamantly attest "NOT for a boy, I swear." And the rest is history . . .

The proposal took place back where it all started, San Francisco, CA. Mariah was completely surprised, having thought they were taking a casual road trip to celebrate her 28th birthday. At what she thought was a casual pitstop to take in the Golden Gate Bridge view, Adam got down on one knee. Behind the scenes, Adam was encountering mild panic because the top-floor suite and panoramic view of the city he had originally booked cancelled one day before. Rain and storms coupled the hotel cancellation as well. The entire trip was almost scrapped. In the end, he pulled a miracle together at the eleventh hour because something like this just can't wait. Once the question was popped, Adam faced yet another challenge – Mariah didn't believe he was proposing at all! Even as he was down on one knee it just wasn't clicking for sweet naive Mariah who thought it was just Adam pulling a joke. Once the box popped open and she saw there was indeed a ring inside she immediately said YES! The experience was filled with laughter, love and friends -- much like the rest of their current and future relationship.