Maddie and Anson met in high school at Second Baptist, but their paths didn’t really cross until a few mutual friends brought them into the same orbit. Once they started spending time together, things clicked fast.

From the very beginning, their relationship has been full of spontaneous adventures—from late-night food runs to exploring corners of the city they’d never seen. Over the years, their story has taken a few turns, including long-distance stints, college transfers, and big life changes—but they’ve always found their way back to each other.

They now call Houston home again and spend their time hunting down the best ramen, playing overly competitive games, and exploring new spots together (with Maddie planning everything and Anson, well... winging it).

They’re beyond excited to kick off this next adventure—marriage—and can’t wait to celebrate with the people who’ve loved and supported them through it all.

On the day before Thanksgiving 2024, Maddie was running late (as usual) to what she thought was a jewelry shoot for Anson’s cousin Lillyana’s brand, LaLaLine. The brief: bring your mom and sisters, get your nails done, wear something cute, and don’t be late. So naturally, Maddie was 30 minutes late.

When she finally arrived at the Russo's house, everyone stared at her—and to her surprise, all the boys were there too. She thought, “How did Lilly bribe these boys to model? And... wait, where’s Anson?” Before she could piece it together, Anson tapped her on the back, got down on one knee, and quoted Song of Songs 3:4: “I have found the one whom my soul loves.”

Cue the shock (there’s photo evidence she had no clue) and celebration. Her custom LaLaLine ring features the initials “A heart M,” Song of Songs 3:4, and sapphires for Maddie’s birthstone. Somehow, nearly the whole family kept it a secret. Even Derik.