The happy couple met soon after Melissa moved to Southern California. Melissa's first job at Sunrise Senior living led her to meet Ivan. They started off talking one day at work and the rest is history. The couple has since gone through nursing school (Ivan as a support system) and Ivan has been promoted to Executive Chef while Melissa works as a Registered Nurse. The couple has 4 fur children (3 cats and a dog).

Being Disney lovers is no secret of the couple. Frequenting Disneyland is one of their favorite pastimes. On May 4th (May the Fourth Be With You) the couple was going to the park to celebrate the Star Wars holiday. In front of Sleeping Beauty's castle and all the people standing by Ivan got down on one knee and asked Melissa to spend the rest of their lives together. It was the perfect proposal for the Disney couple.