Mariah and Chris' love story began in the fall of 2015, in the most unassuming of places—a bookstore just off the UMD campus. Seeking a college job and following her mother's advice, Mariah applied at the very store where Chris had worked for the past two years. Little did she know that this simple decision would set in motion a bond that would shape their lives forever. As they worked side by side, sorting textbooks and sharing quiet lunches across the street, their connection blossomed from friendship into something far deeper. As the years passed, they created countless memories together, becoming each other’s truest confidants and fiercest supporters. And so, on December 20, 2023, Chris took Mariah to one of their favorite Shenandoah hikes and asked her to spend the rest of their lives together. Together, they’ve celebrated countless milestones—graduating from university, hosting memorable dinner parties, and sharing the joys of raising their beloved dogs, Bella and Otis. But their most awaited and cherished day lies ahead—on November 2, 2025, when they will finally say "I do" and begin the next chapter of their journey together.