Who is DeVon Franklin’s girlfriend Maria Castillo? What we know about Celebrity trainer as couple announce engagement

The famous producer, preacher, and best-selling author DeVon Franklin has revealed he is engaged to celebrity trainer Maria Castillo. Their happy announcement follows a surprise engagement in Maui, Hawaii, on December 27, 2024.

Maria Castillo, 29, is a professional fitness trainer. According to Naturally Fit Agency, she is a Dominican fitness model residing in Los Angeles. Additionally, she is also an experienced runner, CrossFit competitor, weightlifting athlete, and a certified fitness coach through the International Science and Sports Association.

Castillo has devoted her life to helping others live healthier lives through fitness. Apart from training, she shares her knowledge of physical fitness through her various social media handles. Her YouTube bio reads:

"With my personal training and fitness background, I want to help others embrace their flaws, while finding their own unique versions of fit."

The engagement was held at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and was a carefully planned surprise (People Magazine). DeVon Franklin enlisted his friends to organize a sunset photo shoot as a cover for the proposal, picking an oceanfront location that fit them perfectly.

The couple wore matching white outfits. Franklin supposedly kneeled on one knee and asked Castillo to marry him, presenting a custom diamond ring created by Carlotta Sarenas.

How did DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo meet?

The couple began dating a year before the proposal through a mutual friend. Franklin was introduced to Castillo by her trainer Mike Trusdale, who thought the pair would be a great fit. The duo has been together ever since.

Their first public appearance together came at The Pink Awards in October 2024, before appearing at the Merge Awards Gala.

In an interview with the People, DeVon Franklin said he was overjoyed, describing finding Castillo as one of God's greatest gifts and adding that he wanted the proposal to reflect the nature of the love they shared. He said:

"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,"

Maria Castillo also expressed her sentiments, calling the moment a beautiful surprise and adding that she was happy to be spending her life with DeVon Franklin. She stated:

"To know I’ll be spending the rest of my life with this incredible man is a dream come true. Here’s to forever with the love of my life!"

According to AOL News, the couple, who has mostly kept a low profile since they started dating, recently shared a few glimpses of their relationship on Castillo’s Instagram. Her latest post is a recap video that appears to be from their recent trip to Maui.