Cruz and Maddi first met a few times in high school through mutual friends, but it wasn’t until college in Tallahassee that their story truly began. During their first semester freshman year, they quickly became best friends alongside the rest of their roommates. While they may not have been the most studious of the group, they spent their time making memories instead — riding the moped around Tallahassee, golfing, going to football games, and doing what they loved most: coming home whenever they could. Most weekends were spent back home on the boat with friends and family — and honestly, not much has changed. Over winter break, Cruz asked Maddi to go out on the boat for sunset and dinner afterward. Even though they both insisted to everyone that it “wasn’t a date,” it quickly became one of the most special nights of their story. After watching the sunset over the ocean, they went to 1000 North for dinner, still claiming they were “just friends.” Over the next month, they spent nearly every day together, everything felt effortless and right from the very beginning. Then, on Maddi’s birthday in late January, after celebrating with all of their friends, Cruz officially asked Maddi to be his girlfriend. The next four years were filled with unforgettable memories — countless boat days, traveling to incredible places, endless laughter with friends and family, supporting one another through every season of life, and even buying and renovating their first apartment together. On April 24, 2026, Cruz and Maddi went out on the boat after work to watch the sunset, just like they had on their very first date. After cruising around the intracoastal for about an hour, Cruz proposed. It was the easiest “yes” and the perfect beginning to forever together. They are beyond excited to become husband and wife and feel so grateful to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the people they love most. They cannot wait to welcome everyone to St. Simons Island in April!