One of the best moments of my life was when Maria and I met Thanksgiving weekend in 2015. I was out in Baltimore and ran into one of my friends from college, Steve Luck (I guess a lot of credit goes to him, shout out to you bud). I turned around, and this beautiful girl with the most amazing smile was standing right in front of me. Steve introduced us, and we immediately got deep into conversation. We had an instant connection; however, I was in a relationship at the time. We talked for what seemed like hours, then Maria headed to the bathroom. When she returned, I had already left the bar. After that night, I remember my college friends (who were also good friends with Maria) telling me she was interested in seeing me again and wanted them to set us up. That night, and that conversation, actually never left my mind.
Come Spring 2016, I was finally single. I went to my friend JD’s house in Baltimore, and Maria’s friend Erin was there. She immediately facetimed Maria, put the phone on my face, and said “Guess who’s single?!”. Maria dropped what she was doing and headed to the city. Honestly, I was nervous but couldn’t wait to see her. We messaged constantly and decided to meet at Mad River in Baltimore. When Maria arrived, she didn’t see me at first, so I made my way over to her. I assumed she was just as nervous as I was because I noticed her taking a shot. When I reached her, I didn’t know what to do or say. Instead of saying anything, I tapped her on the shoulder, spun her around and kissed her. The rest is history my friends; we started dating almost immediately and never looked back.
Day in and day out, Maria shows me what it truly means to love and be loved. Her beautiful personality and shear selflessness help me to love and appreciate every part of life. Maria constantly makes me feel like I am the most loved, cared for, and important person. Because of her, I strive to be the absolute best version of myself every single day. Maria IS (and has always been) the one. I never doubted it for a second because, through her, my life has purpose. I cherish every moment we spend together and wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Words cannot describe how much I love her, and I can’t wait to call her my wife!
I met Shantanu when I least expected around Thanksgiving of 2015 in Baltimore. We were introduced through mutual friends and spent the evening having wonderful conversations. When I left to use the restroom, I told Shantanu that I would be right back and not to leave. I was sad to see that he was already gone by the time I returned. Which was fine because I learned he was seeing someone else at the time anyway. My guy friends loved to tease me in the coming months about my crush on Shantanu. They would say things like, “Maria just let it go, it’s never going to happen!” I figured it made sense to move on but always kept him in the back of mind in case he was back on the market one day!
In Spring of 2016, Shantanu was in Baltimore with my friend Erin and a few other people. She facetimed me and put the camera on Shantanu’s face saying, “He’s single you need to come meet up with us!” – Thank you, Erin! Shantanu knew by now of my crush, so we messaged back and forth and decided to meet at a bar in Federal Hill. I was so nervous too see him, so I ordered a shot at the bar before going to find him. While doing that, Shantanu came up from behind me, tapped me on the shoulder, then spun me around and kissed me. The rest as you say, is history!
He continues to be spontaneous, fun and passionate about life and love just as he was in that moment. Shantanu still makes sure I am smiling as much as I did that night every single day. I really have never met someone who loves life as much as he does, and he truly does live each moment to the fullest. His kind soul and loveable personality leaves an impression on every person he meets. I never have doubted for a second that he is the man that God had waiting for me. I can’t wait to marry him and start our lives together as husband and wife. I love him so very much!