Freshman year at James Madison University, Maura was invited by her friend Nathan Norwood to a St. Patrick's day party at the rugby house off campus. He had just joined the team and was bringing along a few of the other new guys. Taking her time getting ready, Maura arrived very late to the pre-game, keeping Evan waiting for what would not be the first time. Maura rushed in to meet the others and they were quickly off to the Forest Hills townhouses to begin the night. Maura and Evan had a rushed meeting at the dorm and exchanged only a few words on the way to party. When the group arrived to the house, it was a little overwhelming and Maura and Evan began talking more and finally Evan asked her dance. The two party hopped together to see other friends and Evan walked her home at the end of the night. The rest was history and the two had a date later that week and Evan accompanied Maura to her sorority formal the next weekend.

During the holidays of 2018, Maura and Evan had 3 Christmases for the holiday season. Starting in Chicago, flying back east to New Jersey then ending in Pennsylvania. On the way to Pennsylvania, Evan suggested going into Philadelphia to revisit some old spots and check off their bucket list items in the city before moving to Texas. So they walked through Reading Terminal, then spent a little time in the magic gardens. Finally, they made their way back to Dillworth Park to walk through the holiday shops and visit Love Park. About 3 years before, they had taken a picture there so Evan suggested they reenact the moment. When they arrived in line the person in front of them volunteered to take their picture and Evan responded, "Can you take a few?". So they recreated the old photo and then Evan turned to look at Maura and got down on one knee. In a public place, there were cheers, yells and congratulatory applause. The rest of holiday vacation Maura and Evan celebrated with their families and enjoyed time together before the next big step - the move to Texas!