Preacher and producer DeVon Franklin is officially engaged! On December 27, 2024, during a holiday vacation in Maui, Franklin surprised his girlfriend of one year, celebrity trainer Maria Castillo, with a stunning proposal outside The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

Franklin, 46, shared his joy with PEOPLE, saying, “Finding Maria has been one of God’s greatest blessings in my life, so I wanted the proposal to be as special as our love.” He planned a photo shoot during their vacation, and as they posed on a scenic beach, Franklin led Castillo to a grassy cliff, where he dropped to one knee and asked for her hand in marriage with a custom ring designed by Carlotta Sarenas.

Castillo, 29, was left in awe, exclaiming, “Wait!” and “Baby, what are you doing?” before being overcome with emotion. She jumped for joy after saying “Yes” and excitedly kissed Franklin, calling him “a beautiful human.” Franklin responded with a smile, “We’re beautiful together.”

The couple met a year ago through a mutual friend, trainer Mike Trusdale, and have been inseparable since. They made their public debut at The Pink Awards in October 2024 and continued to share their love at the Merge Awards Gala later that year. The couple is now looking forward to forever together!