Maria and Max met on their second day of orientation for Americorps in August of 2021. Maria was behind him in line for lunch and thought he was cute, so they struck up a conversation. They were friends for a few months but one night in one of Knoxville's most romantic spots (KnoxBox Karaoke), they became more and have been inseparable ever since. Max became a wonderful cat dad and Maria loves visiting Max's home state of New York whenever possible. Max proposed in June of 2024 and they are so excited to celebrate with all their friends and family this fall!