A long long time ago when Mark was 21 years old, living his best life in Peace River, Alberta. He was playing junior B hockey, and he had a team fundraiser that consisted of a dance/fashion night, this is where the story begins. Jesse was home studying for exams while in-between semesters for medical school, and she ended up as one of the teachers for the fundraiser's dance groups. Leading up to the fateful night, Jesse had made the joke that she was going to bid on one of the players, and "make them take her on a date". When the night of the fundraiser came and the boys had finished showing off their moves. It was time for the players' auction at the end of the night -- and as a surprise to everyone there, Jesse threw all caution to the wind, and placed a bid on the hockey hunk with the best dance moves. She "won" the bid, and yelled to Mark "and you're gonna take me on a date!" as he walked off stage - cheeks glowing bright red. However, he was quite shy, so they did not speak much before the night let out. However, Mark contacted her the next day, asking if she was serious about that date... and so, they ended up on their first date. And the rest is history!

On November 28, 2020... Mark had planned a nice date night. Like several times before, we went to Judah Hill Lookout to have a romantic view of the Peace River valley. Despite the cold, windy night, Mark insisted on going towards the ledge 'for a better view'...that is when Mark popped the question. The darkness was then broken by the illuminated ring in a lighted box. And although hysterical, Jesse said "YES"!