Ian and Marisa met spring semester of 2019 at Lincoln Memorial University. Marisa’s friend Juli introduced them at the local college bar. However, they did not go on their first date until the following semester. After spending the summer apart, they reunited after Ian’s 21st birthday. Ian and Marisa’s first official date was on a floating bar called Bubba Brews. After this they spent all their time studying and backpacking with the dogs every chance they got.