Maria and Matthew took a relaxed hike with their Boxer, Kona, at Pulgas Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their dog’s appearance in the engagement session was significant, as he was present at the proposal as well. This couple met in middle school and reconnected after their paths diverged–another reason attending your high school reunion might be worth it. That is if you’re single.
From Maria:
It’s funny, when I met Matt in middle school, our interests were far from parallel. When our paths crossed again years later, we knew there was intrigue and attraction between us – it felt right, and we have been together since. It was after only three months of dating, watching television in his parents’ living room, when I thought to myself, “I will marry this guy.” But when he proposed, it was completely unexpected and certainly one of the most romantic moments we have experienced, and we love how our boxer, Kona, was there! What I find truly special about our relationship is we balance out one another in many ways. Matt is a no-fuss, unostentatious kind of man – I love that about him because he inspires me to consider and understand other points of view and preferences. At the same time, we continue to learn of the things on which we have common ground and both hold value – for instance, our passion for sports (he played and now coaches baseball while I danced professionally with the NBA, Arena Football, and the NFL), food, philanthropy and volunteering, travel, comedy, and the outdoors. I’m grateful that we are unpretentious, we don’t pretend we’re perfect but we are accepting, respectful, sincere, honest, loving, and blessed with the people and opportunities we have and have had. I couldn’t be more anxious to marry my biggest fan, the love of my life.. my best friend.
Vendor: Photography: Elisabeth Millay Photography // Location: Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve