Nationwide — Preacher DeVon Franklin, 46, has proposed to his partner, trainer Maria Castillo, 29, while on vacation in Hawaii. The surprise proposal, held at sunset on a Maui cliff, marked the couple’s next chapter after a year of dating.
“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,” Franklin told People.
Franklin surprised Castillo during a photo shoot at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. The moment took place at sunset, with the couple dressed in matching white outfits, embracing on a cliff with the ocean in the background. Franklin also presented Castillo with a custom engagement ring designed by Carlotta Sarenas.
The couple, who started dating a year ago, met through Castillo’s business partner, trainer Mike Trusdal. After a year of dating, they’re excited to take the next step in their relationship. Franklin introduced Castillo as “his girl” during the Merge Awards in November 2024.
Castillo shared her excitement, saying, “I’m still in awe of how it all happened! It was such a beautiful surprise, and I can’t even put into words how happy I am!”
Franklin was previously married to actress Meagan Good, who also recently got engaged to actor Jonathan Majors. The two finalized their divorce in June 2022 after nine years of marriage.