For those of you who aren't familiar with our story and how we met, it would take a novel to write it all so I'll try and keep it simple.

The story of how we met is about as old-fashioned as it gets. After moving to Hot Springs, I didn't know a soul and needed my Jeep looked at. Having just bought a house, I was saving money and in classic Maria fashion, I bribed the local mechanic, Larry, to help me out. I joined his small circle of friends and after a time he says to me "you remind me of my best friend Paul, I think you two should meet" and thus the beginning of our story. Paul lived in Pierre at the time and because I was just putting down roots in Hot Springs, I didn't have expectations of a relationship taking off. However, despite the fact that my life was a series of hilarious chaotic events, like having a house with no heat, I somehow convinced him that I am a pretty great catch and to overlook the rest. It's definitely my humor and sassy attitude that attracted him, I'm sure of it (he's sitting next to me and agrees I promise). In all honesty, we both are still amazed at the circumstances of how we met and often call it a moment of divine intervention.

For those of you who do know us, you know that Paul and I are the best of friends, taking every moment in stride. From violinists at a fish fry to an iguana at a wedding in Michigan, we often laugh our way through crazy situations and enjoy life to its fullest.

We are looking forward to this next phase of our lives and can't wait to see what new blessings God will grant for us. We can't wait to celebrate our wedding with everyone we know and love.

Registry