Their first memories of each other were through fencing practices during their junior undergraduate year of Michigan State University. Back then, John was a new transfer student to MSU with an electrical engineering major, while Vanessa had been attending MSU with a Lyman Briggs human biology major. Both were a part of the foil squad, but they didn't get to truly know each other until a year later. Vanessa's perspective: During my junior year, I knew John as that weird but interesting guy who attempted to make parrying daggers from broken fencing blades. But then senior year hits, and I started to notice John in a different light at a 2013 fencer thanksgiving event ("Foilsgiving"). He sported these skinny jeans that looked great on him and reminded me of a Kpop/European boy band look. Without thinking, I blurted out that he looked good in his skinny jeans, and he took the compliment well. As I got to know him more, I found out what a fun, perceptive guy he was to be around. We started talking more since then and became great friends. John's perspective: I first met Vanessa through MSU's fencing team. One of my first memories of our early relationship was trekking across campus in a snowstorm carrying two 12V lead acid batteries with which to jump start Vanessa's car, so that she could drive a group of us to see The Hobbit. We quickly became friends, and ended up dating within a few months.

John invited Vanessa to his family's home for a New Years Eve party. Vanessa was nervous to drive 1.5 hours away, but she was also excited to come! They had a blast together with John's family and neighbors as they rang the new year of 2014. The next morning, however, a major snow storm hit covering the area with snow and ice. John's family was kind enough to let Vanessa stay an extra couple of days to wait out the storm before driving back to her home. During those snowed-in days, Vanessa and John got to know how well they complemented each other and eventually resulted in a surprise confession! From then on, they dated happily ever since.

John and Vanessa took a week-long siblings vacation to Disneyworld in December 2017. All 5 of them decided to wear Disney character-inspired outfits ("Disneybound") on their visit to the Magic Kingdom. John and Vanessa wore Mickey and Minnie-inspired outfits, respectively. At nighttime, the Cinderella Castle was beautifully lit up with holiday lights and so they decided to take pictures in front of the castle. John told Vanessa he wanted to do a jump picture together. On the count of three they jumped but, to Vanessa's surprise, John landed on one knee! Vanessa's brother threw the ring box and John smoothly caught it and opened up the box with the most beautiful ring inside. Of course Vanessa said yes!!!