We initially met through James' sister Christina, who became a close friend to Maria when she moved to San Diego. One night Christina took Maria out dancing at Tio Leo's, where she met the Hammel family and James. That night, Christina's and James' parents, Carolyn and Phil, orchestrated a classic "switch" move on the dance floor, leaving Maria and James to have an unexpected first dance. They had instant chemistry on the dance floor, but all good things take time. Maria and James got to know each other better through gatherings with Christina's friends and family, and they always enjoyed their friendly interactions. Finally in May of 2018, James and Maria found each other both newly single in the Hammel's family home in Mexico. With the magic of Baja in the air, their sparks came to life that night and their relationship blossomed ever since.

James planned a trip for him and Maria over Valentine's day weekend to Sayulita, Mexico - a place they hadn't been. James was planning to propose on this trip, but Maria didn't suspect a thing. Before leaving, James told his family and called her father, Paul, to ask for his blessing. On Valentine's Day morning in Sayulita, Maria and James went exploring the beach in Sayulita and came across a path when climbing some rock cliffs at the end of the beach. They followed the path around the cliff and saw a beautiful pristine beach, which they now refer to as their "secret beach". James suggested spending the day there, so they went back to their room to grab a backpack with lunch and drinks. After they hiked all of the way back to their secret beach, James approached three local women nearby to take their photo. After a few photos were taken, James asked the woman for ONE more photo. Then, he got down on one knee and asked Maria to do him the honor of being his wife (his photo strategy worked, as the woman with their camera captured the moment perfectly!). Maria was so surprised and excited that she immediately said YES and kissed him. Once the shock wore off, she noticed how beautiful the ring was and was grateful that her heart led her to say yes to this amazing man.