Maria and Legera (Λυγερή) first met around the age of 13 during a GOYA retreat at the beautiful Orlando Retreat Center. Their connection was instant! Electrifying for Legera, and an unexplainable pull for Maria, who just knew she always wanted to be around her. They became fast friends, and that bond has now spanned over two decades. As their friendship deepened over the years, both realized they had developed quiet crushes on one another.... but neither ever said a word. It wasn’t until their early twenties that they finally admitted those early feelings. Even then, the friendship didn’t skip a beat. They stayed close, deeply rooted in each other’s lives, until something shifted. In December 2022, Legera felt an itch to travel and followed a spontaneous impulse to audition to sing the National Anthem for the Sacramento Kings. A longtime tradition between the two was that Maria would always show up when Legera sang live. So, naturally, Legera messaged to ask if Maria might be in California and wanted to come hear her sing. Maria’s response? “Heck YES.” On January 11, 2023, Legera performed at the Kings game in front of over 18,000 people, live TV coverage, and even 50 Cent. But the only person who made her nervous was Maria. She was the only one on her mind while performing. That quiet little crush clearly never left. After the game, they headed north to explore the redwoods. They found a small two-bedroom cottage tucked away in the forest and spent a few peaceful days hiking and soaking in nature. On one hike, they decided to split up and meet back at the cabin later. Unbeknownst to each other, they both deeply missed the other during that short time apart. When they reunited at the cabin at the exact same moment, something shifted. They both felt an overwhelming sense of “home” in the other. And that, was the beginning. The little crushes hadn’t gone anywhere, and soon after, they officially became a couple. Fast forward to November 2, 2024. Just weeks after surviving a devastating hurricane in Asheville, they decided to escape to the Smoky Mountains for a calming fall retreat. But Maria had something up her sleeve. She told Legera only that there was a surprise adventure planned and to wear jeans and boots. No further clues. After many failed attempts to guess what was coming, the day of the surprise finally arrived. Maria had arranged a horseback riding tour through the mountains. As they rode, the guide eventually led them to a scenic overlook and suggested they dismount to stretch and enjoy the view. While they stood at the top of the mountain, taking it all in, Maria casually asked Legera to look for an “owl” in the trees. While Legera searched, Maria dropped to one knee behind her. The owl may not have been real, but the moment was. A surprise within a surprise, and the next chapter of their story began.