Alex & Maria first met at the start of their junior year in college after Alex transferred in as a baseball recruit. When Alex and his teammates moved into the house next door to Maria and her friends, they would frequently run into each other (not completely by accident) and would end up talking for hours. As their friendship grew so did their feelings, and they always wanted to spend just a little more time together. Alex would keep Maria company (and offer comic relief) as she studied late at night, and Maria always rushed to games in time to see Alex pitch. They felt a connection from the very beginning and built a strong friendship before feeling brave enough to finally admit how they both felt about each other! They have been inseparable ever since & three years later, Alex got down on one knee and asked Maria to marry him.

Alex and Maria decided to spend a quiet New Year's Eve in Lake Ariel, one of their favorite places in the world- and the place where they shared their first "I love you"! Over the years, Alex and Maria have spent countless weekends there; hiking, exploring, and enjoying the lake with friends. After a weekend of torrential storms, Alex and Maria woke up to blue skies on January 1st. Alex and Maria braved the cold and headed out on an early morning walk in the beautiful Nay Aug State Park and wandered onto a quiet, secluded bridge overlooking the rapids. As Maria watched the river below them, Alex bent on one knee and asked Maria to spend forever with him.