The first day of her Junior semester at Edinboro University was chilly and overcast. Mariel, bundled in a million layers, walked into her Printmaking 1 class to immediately meet the eyes of Michael, sitting across a group table facing the door. The two immediately made conversation, the words of which are lost in time. They were instant friends, finding a very natural synchronicity with humor, interests, and communication style. There in those early moments after meeting, Mariel felt it important to reveal her relationship status as a manor of respect towards her then boyfriend, and this intriguing new friend. In fact it’s the only dialogue the two recall very clearly today, which Michael responded in an outwardly frank and disappointed tone (“BOYFRIEND?!”). The majority of the verbal exchange has become dispersedly vague and long forgotten. However, the feeling created all those years ago persevered. They did not speak after the semester’s end until 9 years later. They had followed one another on Facebook, Mariel admiring Michael’s journey with photography. Through changes in a post Covid world in 2020, Michael had an opportunity for work in Texas, at a resort in Big Bend National Park. He reached out to Mariel to find out if she was still located in Texas, and expressed his interest in seeing her again. The timing could not have been better for the two to make contact, and the connection is one that’s unprecedented in either of their experiences. The pair were immediately inseparable and committed, and cannot wait to celebrate their joy with all of you!

Mariel and Michael reconnected in the end of 2020, during the pandemic. Michael would be making a transition with work, from the Grand Tetons in Wyoming to Big Bend in West Texas. He reached out to Mariel through Facebook messenger to see if she still lived in Texas. Conversation was immediately fluid, and they began chatting on FaceTime. They had their first date via FaceTime before Mike made his way to Texas. When Mike arrived in Big Bend, he invited Mariel, who was working remotely at the time. Her plan was to car camp for a bit and sight see. When she arrived in the tiny town of Lajitas(neighboring Big Bend National Park) it became apparent it was where she needed to be.

Michael and Mariel have a deep connection and understanding of one another, and knew they’d be ready to take the next step. Before moving in together, Mariel floated the idea of engagement. Mike responded with “Did you just ask me to marry you?”. To which Mariel agreed “YES”.