It all started on Hinge—yes, an app, but we swear it’s more romantic than it sounds. Brian and Mariah’s connection was instant, like two puzzle pieces that just fit. Brian, a true Los Angeles guy at heart, and Mariah, with her roots in Houston and Louisiana, quickly embraced each other’s worlds. If you didn’t know any better, you’d take one look at Brian today with his impressive mustache, boots and cowboy hat thinking that surely he was raised in the south. Brian took to zydeco music and creole food almost instantly with Ms. Deborah as his favorite zydeco instructor. Let’s not even start on how much LA culture has imprinted on Mariah. Any time a DJ Quik or any LA song for that matter plays, she loves to get her walk on. Blending their worlds has been beautiful to see. Their first date at the Dallas Aquarium was the perfect mix of laughter, great conversation, and a sense of comfort that neither of them could explain. You know how sometimes you meet someone and it immediately feels like you’ve known them for years? Yea.. That’s what the two of them felt - love that’s exciting and new - yet somehow so familiar. From the very beginning, they shared their desires to not only grow together as a couple but to grow closer to God through their relationship. A key to the success of their relationship has been keeping God at the center. As they’ve grown together, their love has bloomed in the most beautiful ways. Whether it’s enjoying a rodeo on the weekend, binge-watching their favorite shows, or hosting game nights with friends, they’ve found that their time together is what matters most. And yes, they even joke about starting their own floral business—Brian is the mastermind behind the bouquets you see Mariah post on her Instagram. Knowing just how much she loves it, Brian has made it a habit to surprise her with new arrangements often. Man…Romance, right? Brian, a firefighter, is the real hero in Mariah’s eyes. She’s always proud to visit him at the station, seeing him in action. And Mariah, a project manager at an architecture firm, knows that sometimes the best part of her workday is when Brian shows up with lunch and a little reminder to take a break from the chaos. Through this journey they have already started to learn how to be each other's support system- bringing peace and calmness into the craziness of life. Like true best friends, it doesn't matter what they’re doing- as long as they're doing it together. They’ve been blessed to enjoy vacations together, and find enjoyment in sharing hobbies like working out. If you know about Squatober then you already know they love being active. Anyone want to put in their bet on what sport their first child will be playing? Together, they’ve got a family—Bella (Mariah’s first love-now angel in heaven) and Dallas (the crazy girl they rescued together), and a home full of laughter, love, and a shared dream to keep making beautiful memories. On November 23, 2024, Brian along with Mariah’s close girlfriends executed the most perfect and intimate surprise proposal. What Mariah thought would be a fun date night at their favorite lowkey local bowling alley turned out to be a night neither of them will ever forget. Surrounded by their tribe, they began down the road to marriage and it’s been such an exciting time. As the wedding day approaches, they’re excited to keep building a life filled with joy, laughter, adventure, and the kind of love that just keeps growing. We’re all so excited to witness them make it official! Counting down to #TheMartinMatrimony __________________________________________________ Now that you've read this far, you deserve to know the truth. This beautiful story was lovingly polished by Chat GPT because we've been busy planning our life, weathering wedding chaos, and staying sane! We cannot wait to see you all in December!