In their first year at UC Davis, Maia and Carson sought out community at Davis Christian Fellowship. It wasn’t long before they met and developed affection for one another. Maia noticed the intentionality with which he practiced his faith, and Carson was drawn to her radiant enthusiasm, confidence and competitiveness. In hopes of getting to know her, Carson joined Maia’s intramural volleyball team, a sport for which he otherwise had no interest. Through volleyball games and practices, as well as weekly morning devotionals they both attended, Carson witnessed her thoughtfulness, maturity and caring nature. Wishing to start a text conversation, Maia wished him “Happy Easter”. Soon, they were texting daily. If there was any doubt left in Carson’s mind about Maia’s feelings toward him, it was completely erased on Picnic Day. Maia strategically got an extra ticket to the coveted Chemistry Magic Show, which she offered to Carson. Once there, Maia went to great lengths in order to sit next to Carson, even making her friends get up and switch seats. Later that quarter, Maia and Carson traveled to San Francisco for a service day in the Tenderloin. Afterwards, the group walked to Yerba Buena Gardens. For the next three hours, Maia and Carson were in their own world: they ate lunch together and walked around the park, talking about their favorite songs and most memorable experiences. Their friends took note and an iconic photo was born. Maia and Carson look back on that day as their unofficial first date. After that day, the two began spending more time together. Carson taught Maia how to play the guitar, their favorite song being “I’m Yours”. One day, Carson asked her if she would like to go for a walk after morning devotionals. Maia eagerly accepted and the two departed for the arboretum. They admired the spring flowers and reflected on their first year in Davis until Carson stopped and said, “Maia, I’m not going to beat around the bush; I really like you.” Maia was shocked. Despite all his attempts to get to know her, Maia was convinced that she was the one making all the moves. Until that point, she did not know that Carson had feelings for her. Cheeks flushed, she stammered , “I like you too.” Always the relationally mature one, Maia initiated a conversation about relationship history and next steps. Summer break was fast approaching, and the two would be two hours apart for several months. They decided to go on a few dates in the coming weeks and pray about an official relationship. That weekend, DCF held its Spring Retreat at Golden Valley Camp. The final night of retreat, a spontaneous dance party broke out in the outdoor amphitheater. When Whitney Houston’s “I Want to Dance With Somebody” came on, Carson immediately thought of Maia. Making his way through the crowd, he found her and asked to dance with her. Although not intending to make a scene, a circle immediately formed around the two. This special moment was captured on video and never fails to put a smile on their faces. After a few dates and a long conversation about values, Maia and Carson decided to begin an official dating relationship. During the past 3 years Carson and Maia have loved walking, dancing, laughing and adventuring together. One of the most memorable seasons of their relationship was the Summer of 2023, when they went swing dancing, paddle boarding, river rafting, rock climbing and visited Mount Hermon, Six Flags, the State Fair and Disneyland.

Knowing that Maia loves surprises, Carson was determined to keep the proposal a secret. He planned to pop the question on September 28, 2024 at Yerba Buena Gardens, the site of their unofficial first date. With Maia’s birthday as a cover, the couple traveled to San Francisco, first visiting the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market to buy fruit and pastries. Once at the park, they laid out a picnic blanket and reminisced about the initial sparks of their relationship. Eager to propose while they had the park to themselves, Carson asked if she would like to go for a walk. Maia was completely satisfied bathing in the sun and thus politely declined Carson’s request. After 15 more minutes of relaxation (for Maia) and stress (for Carson), he asked again, this time more emphatically. Self-assured and strong-willed as always, Maia maintained her desire to stay put. By trying to appear as restless as possible, Carson finally convinced her to accompany him on a walk through the park. Once at “the spot”, he turned to face her, grabbed her hands and said, “Maia, can I tell you some things I love about you?” As Carson poured out his heart and dropped to a knee, Maia was completely and utterly shocked. Just like when he confessed his feelings for the first time, she had not seen it coming at all. Carson proposed with Maia’s mother’s engagement ring, which unbeknownst to him did not fit Maia’s hand. Nevertheless, they squeezed it on and took pictures to commemorate the moment. In the days following, they visited a local jeweler in Davis where they picked out Maia’s ring together. The bride and groom-to-be eagerly await their wedding day and sincerely hope you can celebrate with them on June 13, 2025.