John and Marisa first met in classic Calvin College (not University) fashion: On a "floor date." For those who haven't experienced the small liberal arts school nuances of Calvin, this is when people from two different dorm floors (one female + one male) go do something together... John and Marisa's was fancy Steak 'n Shake. At that time, of course, they weren't close or even interested in each other. As time passed, and Marisa's friend Katie kept in contact with John, they got to know each other on a friendly level. The summer after meeting at Steak 'n Shake, Marisa found comfort in learning that her new acquaintance John would be on her dorm cleaning crew that summer. Through the shared distain of cleaning dorm rooms in the Michigan summer heat, John and Marisa grew closer until Marisa finally admitted to herself that maybe... she had feelings for John? Marisa didn't want to give Katie the satisfaction of knowing she might be on to something when she said "You should date John. You'd be cute together!" Of course, Katie WAS right, and after a long summer of dorm cleaning, college student antics, some embarrassment and miscommunication (drama?), and the thrill of living off campus, John asked Marisa on a date. Since that first date, John and Marisa have been best friends and have spent a substantial amount of their time laughing, challenging each other, forgiving and asking for forgiveness, relaxing, adventuring, playing games, doing puzzles, and supporting each other. Through each of their hard times and each of their celebrations, the other has been there loving and supporting the other, while also growing and nurturing their own character. When John proposed to Marisa in August of 2023, it solidified that their story would continue to grow for the rest of their lives. While they have been intertwined in each others' lives for the past 7 years, they are ready to gather with friends and family to celebrate the beginning of a beautiful future together.