It all began in November 2021. Collin had just moved to Tampa, Florida, from Perry, Ohio, for a new job, and Maria moved from Medellin, Colombia to Ocala, Florida in August of that year for a cultural exchange. Both downloaded a popular dating app called Hinge and, among a sea of profiles, somehow found each other. Collin messaged Maria at the end of November, but she ghosted him for a month. Finally, on December 24, 2021, Maria sent her first message. They initially chatted about dancing and cultural differences, then exchanged pleasantries over Instagram in the following weeks. Collin flirted by replying to Maria's Instagram stories and eventually invited her to Tampa for the famous Gasparilla Festival.
On January 29, 2022, Maria joined Collin and his friends for Gasparilla. From the moment Collin saw Maria, he was enamored. After cooking her some scrambled eggs and gushing about her to his friends, the group spent the day exploring the crowded city streets of Tampa amongst the party. Outside a popular waterfront restaurant called American Social, Collin asked Maria, “Can I kiss you?” That led to their first kiss, overlooking Tampa Bay. By the end of the day, Collin knew he wanted to see Maria again.
Their first official date was a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at the esteemed Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa. Collin, pulling out all the stops, got Maria flowers and chocolates, and even planned a picnic for her the next day at the beach. Their bond grew stronger, with Maria often making the 90-mile drive from Ocala to Tampa to spend weekends together (Collin would've gladly driven more to Ocala but there is absolutely nothing to do there).
In May, Maria decided to end her cultural exchange program, and she returned to Colombia. Despite the distance, Collin visited Maria twice—first in Medellín, her hometown, and then in Cartagena. He immediately fell in love with her family and her country. They knew they had something special together. In July 2022, Maria came back to the U.S. with a tourist Visa to spend more time with Collin, and their relationship flourished.
With their love for one another growing in each passing moment, they were certain they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. On November 29, 2022, they eloped in a courthouse ceremony in Tampa, accompanied by Collin’s parents. Though Maria’s family couldn’t attend, they hoped a bigger celebration would come someday.
The newlyweds spent 2023 working at the same company together, traveling within the U.S., and growing closer while waiting for Maria’s green card. Trips to Key West, St. Augustine, and New York City created memories, though international travel had to wait due to restrictions within the residency process. They attended Grace Family Church often up to three times per week together, deepening their faith and Christ-centered relationship.
In March 2024, Maria received her green card, marking a huge milestone in their journey. This allowed them to once again travel to Colombia, Maria's first time seeing her friends and family in almost 2 years. That summer, Collin and Maria bought their first home together in Palmetto, Florida —a blessing they thanked God for. They moved from the bustling city to a more quaint small town, ready for new beginnings. They also began attending a different church, embracing the new community while continuing their spiritual journey together.
For their second anniversary, Collin and Maria traveled to New Orleans, a trip that Collin had been planning unbeknownst to his lovely bride. Though already married, Collin surprised Maria with a formal proposal, making up for the lack of one before their elopement. It was a moment filled with love and excitement, setting the stage for their next big celebration.
Collin and Maria always dreamed of a bigger wedding where her family and all of his friends and loved ones could be present. That dream is finally coming true in August 2025 with a celebration in Colombia. Surrounded by the people most important to them, they’ll renew their vows and continue writing their love story together. With faith, love, and plenty of adventure, we feel our story has only just begun.