We met on October 16, 2021 at a mutual friend's shack when Randy's cousin introduced us. Randy was there for a cousin's weekend and Maria was invited down for a visit, and of course to meet Randy. The weekend was spent together and numbers were exchanged Sunday before Randy left back home to Grand Rapids, MN.

We spent a good year driving back and forth between Littlefork and Grand Rapids, MN each weekend. Our relationship was strong and we both were ready to be together instead of having a long distance relationship. On September 30th, 2022, we bought a house together in Littlefork, MN. Since then, we have grown as a couple and have decided on forever together.

August 18th, 2023 we headed out on the side by side towards Big Falls, MN to go to a car show. We went down some backroads and Randy stopped at a few older boat landings that were absolutely beautiful. Maria started to think something was up since the day was a little different than most side by side rides. Randy was more romantic than normal and made the day very special. We arrived on the old railway bridge over the river in Big Falls. Maria headed to the side of the bridge to look at the river and when she turned around, Randy was on one knee with the ring out. Maria said "HECK YEA!" and grabbed the ring and we were engaged.