Jay and Marlena were both born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario where they attended high school together at St. Jean de Brebeuf. Although they didn't have the chance to meet one another at that time, fate made sure that their paths would cross again in the future. While Marlena was in college, she was working part time at Jack Astors. One night, one of her coworkers posted a picture of Marlena on their social media account and it caught the attention of their childhood friend, Jay. Jay did not hesitate to reach out and ask about Marlena. Some time passed and Marlena agreed to meet up with Jay and some friends at a bar for drinks on June 2nd, 2018. Marlena must have been so nervous because she "forgot her wallet in her other purse". Jay, the gentleman that he is, took care of Marlena's drinks and made sure she got home safely, all while sharing laughs and having a great time together. They had an instant connection. It only took them one night to determine that this was the beginning of something special. Following the whole missing wallet fiasco, Marlena made sure to make it up to Jay by taking him out on their first official date to Cherry Hill Gate Trail in Burlington. Five years later of continuous adventures and laughs, this is where Jay proposed to Marlena.