It was the summer of 2022. Mariel had just moved to Indianapolis the fall before, and she decided it was time to start getting more involved. So she signed up for a summer book club through St. John the Evangelist, choosing to join the group reading a book about Mary the mother of God and her role in major geopolitical shifts throughout history. It was a fairly big group with about 15 young adults, and they met every week at a local brewery to discuss. One of those young adults was none other than Derek. He claims he noticed Mariel right away, but the two did not interact much until the penultimate meeting when he invited everyone to his birthday party. Mariel went. Derek asked her for her number later that night. Their first date was an evening stroll to a nearby ice cream shop after the final book club meeting. Then there were walks around the canal, Crown Hill cemetery and Newfields with Derek's dog, Tucker, many late-night Taco Bell runs, movie marathons, family brunches, and lots and lots of prayer in between. As summer turned to fall to winter to spring and back again, the two grew closer and realized they really liked each other. Eventually that like became love, and here we are. Mother Mary, pray for us.

It was the summer of 2022. Derek had been involved with St. Johns for a few years attending book clubs, volunteering, and being on the retreat team. The summer book list was long, but he knew exactly which one to join once it mentioned history — he loves history. There were several new faces at this book club, but one girl caught his attention right away and he knew he wanted to ask her on a date. That girl was none other than Mariel. Without trying to be awkward, he tried talking with her one-on-one after book club, but never found an opening until she came to his birthday party. She came with her brother and future sister in-law. At the party he saw her playing with his dog, Tucker, and exchanged a few words. Later, he got a number. Finally! After the final book club meeting, they took a walk to an ice cream shop and talked about family, jobs, and everything else you talk about on a first date. There were walks and dates and more walks as each supported the other in their endeavors. Mariel was in the Philharmonic orchestra and Derek was part of the retreat team and rec sports. They grew to love each other, seeing the other happy doing what they enjoyed. They grew closer to each other and to God through prayer. As they went on trips and attended weddings and family holidays, each was ready to take the next step. One pamamanhikan later, Derek was ready to propose. One yes later, and here we are. St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, pray for us.