Spring had sprung, and love was in the air.

A sportier version of a young Maya and Kyle had just finished their respective rec league seasons -- Kyle, basketball and Maya, volleyball -- and they were unwinding at an end-of-season social. At the bar, Kyle eyed the pool table and popped in a couple quarters. About halfway through his first game, a beautiful muse sauntered up to the table. "Who's got next?" She asked. Trying desperately to mask his nerves, Kyle replied: "You do, toots."

Okay, he didn't say toots. But she did have next, and one game led to another. And another. Before they knew it, they were hitting it off. Numbers were exchanged, hearts were aflutter. The night they first met.

In the wee hours of the first night they met, Kyle broke the rules. He texted her. A gif of a cute pig.

"She'll think you're desperate," Kyle's roommates cautioned. But, against all odds, it worked.

They went on their first date in Hayes Valley, not knowing they would one day share a home in the neighborhood. They would fall hard, exploring all the wonders their fair city had to offer. Here, the young lovers are pictured at Grand View park.

Puppy love gave way to true romance as Maya and Kyle realized how much they had in common.

A shared love for music, photography, fine cuisine, and family, to name a few. Perhaps as foundational as any was their passion for public service. Early dates involved campaign door-knocking. Here, Maya is pictured on her first day as a City Hall intern. Not long after, Kyle would become a legislative aide.

And asks, why the long face?

It was trial by fire. Maya's first meeting with Kyle's extended family took place in Goose Rocks Beach, Maine.

After a cross-country red-eye flight, Maya and Kyle went straight to a family barbecue. There were dozens of cousins, aunts and uncles out the woodwork.

Somehow, she made it out alive. Kyle's family approved with flying colors.

Three years in, and the time felt right. Maya and Kyle took the next step in their relationship, moving in together.

They've been living in sin ever since.

May 9, 2020 -- Maya, Kyle and Noa drive three hours to Fresno, California. There, they meet the most perfectly imperfect pup, Little Stu.

He immediately stole their hearts.

Kyle knew it was time. Over the course of six years, one pandemic, and countless adventures, their love had only grown stronger.

He called Maya's dad to ask his permission. After a long pause, Dan replied: "Finally!"

Summer 2021, back where it all began, Goose Rocks Beach, Maine.

Kyle's family invited the Chupkov's to share a week together on the beach. After a quiet dinner, Kyle suggested a nice stroll on the beach, capped off by a beverage at the Tides.

Patty, ever the team player, earlier that day had "injured" her knee. A clever ruse. The old folks would stay behind to tend to the wounded, while the kids went ahead to have a nightcap.

Once Kyle and Maya were on their way, the parents hopped in their cars, and got to the Tides ahead of time.

Kyle and Maya arrived. Aunt Melanie could barely contain herself, hiding in the bushes.

Kyle got down on one knee, and asked "Will you Marry me?"

Maya was stunned in silence. A few seconds passed. Kyle began to sweat. She was genuinely surprised. Once it set in, she smiled ear to ear, and said:

"Yes!"