Both were invited to a mutual friend's bonfire in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Mark had a homecoming dance to supervise and was unsure if he was going to go. Danelle had another event that evening and was unsure if she was going to go as well. However, they both decided to attend the event and they caught each other's eyes when they were across the bonfire. Mark left for the dance without introducing himself, but not without finding out details about her. He spoke with one of the mutual friend's, Jeremiah, who was hosting the bonfire and asked multiple questions about Danelle. Jeremiah answered each one and on the last question he replied, "Why don't you ask her brother?" who had been standing there the entire time! That night he kept thinking about Danelle and formally asked her on a date the next day.