We've been together 6 years but have known each other much longer than that! We went to both middle and high school together but didn't have a ton of interaction with each other during that time. It wasn't until the fall of 2018, and partying in a fraternity house at the University of Alabama during Thanksgiving weekend, that it all started... That weekend in 2018, which is now referred to as "Fratsgiving," Jack asked for Maria's number and insisted that he take her on a date when they got back to MD. She said yes (obviously), but was hesitant to go out with him, solely based on what she thought she remembered of him from high school. They went out to dinner, and it went well! However, it wasn't quite smooth sailing from there. Maria somewhat "ghosted" Jack after that, enough to the point of him telling her that he would back off if she wanted him to. She liked hanging out with him but just needed more time. So, Jack did just that - he gave her time. After months of dates and getting to know each other better, Maria finally said, "okay, I'll be your girlfriend!" in April of 2019. It was always Maria's goal to buy a house. When she moved back home with her parents after college, her plan was to save up as much money as she could. When she and Jack first started dating, they both lived at home with their parents until Jack moved to Baltimore City to live with his friends. After dating a couple of years, Jack wanted to move in together, and Maria was on board...but she still really wanted that house! She met with a realtor and began what would be over a year long process of house hunting. Jack was patient and kind throughout it all, though Maria could tell he was over it and just wanted to rent a place with her. A year and a few months (and 9 offers) later, Maria finally closed on a house in June of 2022! It was a fixer upper, but what house wasn't? Right??? The house was (and continues to be) a labor of love. It needed more work than either of them had anticipated though, and they pretty much gutted the house and started over! With lots of help from Maria's dad, the house came along, but it still took over 2 years for the house to be "livable." Jack and Maria had discussed getting married one day, but had the intention of living together first, so let's just say she was COMPLETELY surprised when he got down on one knee on August 2, 2024 - before they officially moved into their home. Turns out, Jack was planning on proposing in the house all along. With the help of both of their families and friends, Jack proposed to Maria in the living room of their first home together. It was the most special day! They FINALLY moved into their house in October of 2024 and started planning a wedding!