Maya & Nicholas

Our Story

Nick and Maya first crossed paths at the University of Dayton through the Asian American Association, a student organization they both joined during their first year. Despite being part of the same group, they didn’t officially meet until December 2019, when they both ran for positions on the executive board. During their first board meeting, fate placed them side by side—Nick had forgotten his computer, so they shared Maya’s. Though they barely spoke that day, both were secretly thinking of ways to get to know the other better.

As the new semester began, so did their journey together. They quickly bonded over student events, late-night study sessions in the library, casual dinners, and games of pool in the student union. By the end of January 2020, their connection had deepened beyond the organization, and they officially began dating at the end of February.

However, just ten days later, the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone home, turning what they thought would be an extended spring break into months apart. With Nick in St. Louis and Maya in Dayton, the first three months of their relationship became a long-distance challenge. Yet, through daily late-night conversations and virtual dates, their bond only grew stronger.

When Nick was finally able to return to Dayton to move out of his dorm, their first stop was Hills and Dales Metro Park, where they had a picnic—what would become the first of many. Over the years, the park became a special place for them, filled with memories of hikes, hammocking, cookouts with friends, and of course, more picnics.

On December 30, 2023, they returned to that same meaningful spot. As they picnicked once again, Nick proposed—and Maya said yes! They celebrated their engagement surrounded by family and friends, marking the next chapter in a love story that has already endured long distance, a global pandemic, their undergraduate years, and Nick’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.

Now, they look forward to a lifetime together and can’t wait to celebrate their marriage with the people they love most.