Maryanne and Mina first met in late 2008, when Maryanne was starting undergrad and Mina was starting dental school at UCLA. They became friends through the UCLA Coptic Club and while attending St. Peter & St. Paul's Coptic-Orthodox Church in Santa Monica. Mina used to sell cheap parking from his apartment complex to Maryanne and often gave her free advice she did not listen to.
After Mina finished dental school, he moved to Salt Lake City for residency; meanwhile, Maryanne stayed at UCLA for medical school. Mina eventually moved back to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City in 2013 while Maryanne was still in medical school. They began to start talking and dating around that time, though the exact timing is still controversial.
Mina moved to San Antonio, Texas for work in 2015. In 2017, Maryanne luckily matched at Baylor in Houston for residency.
While on a family vacation in California, Mina decided to visit Maryanne's parents and ask for her hand in marriage.
On vacation back in California, Mina "planned" to take Maryanne to a dinner and musical. While they went to lunch in Laguna Niguel, Maryanne's brother John and her best friend Noelle prepared a romantic setting at Corona del Mar, the beach where Maryanne grew up.
On their way to the "show," Mina decided they would take a little detour and stop off at the beach. Mina told Maryanne to close her eyes once they got to the sand. In spite of her best protests, Mina convinced Maryanne to follow him onto the sand where he led her to the roses and candles.
Once at the heart-shaped rose petals, Mina got down on one knee and proposed!