Around February 9th 2014, Mark met Erika on her first online date at Stanley Seaforts in Tacoma-located half way between her hometown Gig Harbor and his hometown Seattle. Having never met before, Mark joked that he had two missing front teeth. Erika stated she had candy apple red hair. Low and behold, the two actually found each other in that delicious restaurant. After the date Mark was about to go home but, Erika asked if he'd like to see the movie Son of God. Erika can still remember walking down the movie hallways feeling like a princess while wearing the corsage on her wrist that he gave her on their first date. The rest is history in the making!