We're Getting Married!!

Marissa and Joey's first date was at Volunteer Park Cafe for drinks and a walk through the park. Marissa was surprised that Joey offered to meet for coffee since he doesn't drink coffee but thought it was cute when he ordered hot cocoa. They explored the park while learning about each other and extended the date by popping into the local museum. Three hours passed and it was time to part, however, not before Joey eagerly asked Marissa on a second date. Marissa cheerfully said yes but it would have to be after Marissa returned from a 2 week trip. They agreed that would work, hugged goodbye, and hoped that when Marissa returned neither one of them would end up "ghosted". A few days after their first date, the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up and the night before Marissa's trip, her flights were canceled. Marissa reached out to Joey and they went on their 2nd date. They met at Green Lake for a walk followed by dinner at a local Thai restaurant. The next day, all bars and restaurants closed down due to COVID making that their last dinner date for the unforeseeable future. Despite the ongoing ambiguity of dating in a pandemic, Marissa and Joey focused on what they could count on. Their faith in Jesus, being outside, exploring new parks, making meals at home, volunteering, learning how to home-groom Marissa's dog, Griffey, virtual meet and greets with their friends, and continuing to grow their relationship. A favorite memory together was traveling to 7 National Parks. Finally, in September 2021, Joey asked Marissa to marry him with Griffey as their witness, beating Marissa to the punch who planned to ask Joey. Following the wedding, they will move to Denver, Colorado for Joey's work and start the next chapter of their lives together.