Our love story began on April 29th, 2018. It was an early Sunday afternoon on Southside's finest, East Carson street. I graduated that morning from Pitt with my Bachelor's degree, so my only intention was to celebrate. Who would have thought I got my diploma that morning and met my future husband that afternoon? Eric was out with our mutual best friends coming from the Pittsburgh Pirates game. I vividly remember locking eyes for the very first time. The way Eric was looking at me made me wonder if we had met before. I can't say I always believed in "love at first site", but from that very first moment, we knew this was only the beginning of something special.

We fell in love that first summer together. Eric officially asked me to be his girlfriend, and we spent as much time as we could together, learning more about one another and laughing along the way. The honeymoon phase was in full effect, and this was a slow burn that took us all the way through the Fall.

After only 6 months of dating, we moved into our Regent Square apartment. When you know, you know, right? For us, this huge step was testament to our commitment to one another. We spontaneously we're offered a wild puppy girl and decided that together, we would adopt her as our own. On August 23rd of 2019, Ella came home with her new mommy and daddy. She made our hearts fuller and family furrier. She was a source of unconditional love for us both, and our dedication to providing her a happy and healthy life brought us even closer. Our story would not be the same without her, as she continues to be the light of our lives.

Over the next several years, we stood by one another, as we chased our career aspirations. Eric earned multiple promotions and is now in a leadership roll at ADP. Additionally, he is working to earn his MBA in Business Analytics at Pitt. For me, I went back to Pitt to become a Physician Assistant, and am now officially a PA-C at UPMC Children's Hospital. Our unwavering support for each other's goals continues to ground us and is a major component of our story.

On October 14th, 2023, Eric asked me to marry him, and we both said "yes" to forever. The proposal was at Nemacolin Resort for what Eric had initially claimed was a "business trip". I must admit, however, I had my suspicions when he said the company was expensing a massage, hair and makeup appointment for me. I got the engagement ring of my dreams, and overall, he planned an absolutely beautiful weekend that we will always treasure. The journey to Mr. and Mrs. Maholtz had begun!

All this to say, our love story is one we will continue to write, with our overarching theme being that we are better together. Our growth, both individually and as partners, is ever evolving, but rooted in love and respect. We are forever grateful to be the authors of this love story, knowing that no matter where life takes, we will always have each other.

Thank you for reading and celebrating our love with us!