Maria and Christian met attending the same church in Paris. They soon became friends while Maria tried to help Christian’s dating life, since he was interested in her friend. After spending countless days together, Christian quickly became enamored with Maria even though she just saw him as a friend. They saw each other every day, whether it be at school pick up for her cousin, church, or adventures around Paris. When they were traveling separately, they emailed to stay in touch. After Christian graduated high school he moved to Minnesota for college, and in that move Maria realized what she was missing. Though Christian was hesitant to enter a long-distance relationship, he knew she was what he wanted. They began dating from Paris to Minneapolis. Then Santa Cruz to Minneapolis. Then Santa Cruz to LA. Finally, they both ended up together, three and a half years later, in Santa Cruz. Since then their love story has continued to flourish and grow. They have been through the worst and best, together by each other’s side. They took their time dating and building a foundation for their relationship, then after 9 years of dating Christian proposed in the most romantic way, providing a journey back through those 9 years together. They are overjoyed to be taking this next step together with you!

First impression of Christian: I had never met someone from Australia and I immediately thought I needed and Aussie friend! Meaningful place to your relationship: The gym in the American Church in Paris against the left wall where we first met. Most exciting adventure together: Christians first gift was a romantic day trip to Chartre, France, and we arrived so tired we walked around for at least an hour trying to find a place to fall asleep. We then bought a bunch of candy from the lolly shop and ate at the best restaurant I’ve ever had. When I tried to introduce Christian to a Caramel Apple, since he had never had one, I accidentally ordered a candied Apple and about broke his teeth. The cotton candy he bought me was not a fan of the wind so we went home covered in little bits of sticky cotton candy. We then ended the night seeing two men get in a physical fight while using us as shields. Adventure to say the least! Something you admire about Christian: His amazing drive! He’s always pushing himself to do better and is self motivated in the most impressive way. Biggest pet peeve of Christian: His desire to kill the planet by using paper towels!

First impression of Maria: Her energetic and excited-by-life vibe. Meaningful place in your relationship: Paris, where we spent the first year growing our friendship. Most exciting adventure together: The cabin we spent our 5 year anniversary at. We drive through hours of extremely heavy fog next to windy cliff side roads at night! Something you admire about Maria: Her constant desire to help people, and her ability to keep moving forward, no matter what happens in life. Maria is able to make people smile, even when she’s struggling — and she never misses an opportunity to help someone. Biggest pet peeve of Maria: When she replaces the toilet paper and it’s facing the wrong way.

https://danaarnoldblog.com/2022/03/31/carmel-engagement-session/