Mara and James had their first date at The Book House in Dinkytown, followed by dinner at Wally's Falafel and Hummus, after meeting on Bumble. James was in his third and final year at the University of Minnesota, while Mara had just begun Freshman year.

James graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in History and minor in German. He went on to spend another year in Minneapolis before starting graduate school.

James moved to Boston to begin his history PhD program at Boston University with a focus on German history.

Mara joined James in Boston after 1.5 years apart following her graduation from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Anthropology and minor in German.

Mara and James adopted their pet cat, Freya, from Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton, Massachusetts after six months in the shelter.

James proposes to Mara at Chandler Pond in Gallagher Park. The proposal included a sushi picnic and featured several goose guests!

Mara graduated with her Master's degree in Library and Information Science and Certificate in Archival Studies from Louisiana State University. Shortly after, Mara began her summer internship at the Maine Maritime Museum, located in Bath, Maine.

Mara, James, and Freya will move to Flensburg, Germany for nine months as part of James' DAAD scholarship and study.