Marissa was home from college for winter break and was dragged to a family friends party by her mom (Marissa was 20 and claims this was her last year at home on NYE because she'd be at the club next year LOL) and Jack was invited to the party by a family member to come hang out. Despite growing up in the same small town and hanging around the same circle of people, they never met before this day. They spent the evening eyeing one another, playing beer bong together, bonding over their love of craft beer, and getting to know each other. Later that night, Jack was a perfect gentlemen and walked Marissa and her mom out to their car, carried all of their stuff, opened their doors, and asked for Marissa's number. He texted her a couple days later and they went out on their first date and bonded over sushi and their love for the Green Bay Packers. They were inseparable for the week until it was time for Marissa to return to college 2000 miles away. From thinking it was just a winter break fling to staying in touch every day and turned into officially becoming a couple 3 months later. They made long distance work for a year and a half with lots of FaceTime calls, multiple flights, and fond memories made. Marissa was offered a teaching job for Physical Education in Casa Grande, Arizona and Jack agreed to go with her on this new venture. They moved the summer of 2017 and created a beautiful life together. In those three years they grew closer as a couple, became each others main support system, met lifelong friends, and even adopted their sweet son Charlie. They longed to be home closer to family and decided to close that chapter in 2020 and start a new one. They moved back home to Desert Hot Springs and reconnected with all of their friends and family, it was as if they never left. On January 1st, 2022, 6 years after meeting, Jack got down on one knee and asked Marissa to marry him. They were on an anniversary getaway in one of their favorite places. In the beautiful Idyllwild nature, on a snowy hike, with the company of their son, and in ultimate privacy. It was the easiest and happiest "Yes" she's ever said!