John and Marissa first met in the young adults ministry at Edgewood Baptist Church in 2020. However, they didn't get to know each well until February of 2022, when John asked Marissa out on a breakfast date to Flipp's Pancake House. Although that first date didn't turn into anything right away, John and Marissa developed a good friendship, and eventually feelings for one anther, over the summer of 2022 and in September of that same year, started officially dating. Right away they both knew they were right for one another and by May of 2023, John got down on one knee and asked Marissa to be his wife.

John asked Marissa on Wednesday, May 10th 2023 to be his wife. Marissa thought it was just another Wednesday night, and that John had made reservations at a restaurant for dinner. She got dressed up, thinking nothing of it. John picked her up and took her to a place called Bridgepoint, which is right on the Mississippi. Marissa was still was not thinking this was out of the ordinary, as Bridgepoint is a place they went to often to talk, have dinner, and enjoy the view. It is a beautiful, picturesque, private spot right on the water, with picnic tables and stringed lights hanging from the trees above. Marissa noticed John getting very nostalgic about their relationship, and all of a sudden he got down on one knee. He pulled out the ring that was originally her grandma's and asked her to marry him. Marissa, super surprised that John had pulled this off, said yes! John then took Marissa out for dinner in the most unlikely but extraordinary spot: a private rooftop dinner in downtown Davenport with a beautiful view of the river and sunset. Seeing downtown from above at night with all the lights was pretty magical. It was the perfect night!