Chad and Marina first crossed paths while in podiatry school in Miami, Florida. They started off as friends after officially meeting and having a conversation on a party bus with their other medical school classmates. What began as a budding friendship soon blossomed into something more as the end of their first year of med school approached.

Marina, ever the determined one, would often find her way to the 4th floor of the library—seemingly by chance—just to “accidentally” bump into Chad. During one of their many library conversations, Chad learned that Marina wanted to see a Doctor Strange movie that was playing in theaters. Although he’d already seen it, he surprised her by buying two tickets for them while sitting in a clinical neurology class. Later that week, Chad went above and beyond, cooking a phenomenal steak dinner, along with mashed potatoes from scratch (with some help via a phone call to Carroll Morrison). Marina was deeply impressed by both his cooking skills (a skill she admittedly lacks) and his thoughtful gesture.

As their friendship grew, Chad and Marina began going on dates and quickly became inseparable. Not only did they love spending time together, but they also made the perfect study partners, spending countless hours preparing for classes and practicals. They realized they were not just a great match, but a great team.

On June 11, 2022, outside a bar in Miami (a funny story, and one their med school classmates would love to tell you), Chad officially asked Marina to be his girlfriend. Their love continued to grow, and soon, Chad found himself falling for Marina’s dog, Millie, as well. Marina was drawn to Chad’s intelligence, attention to detail, and his commitment to always making sure she feels happy and spoiled. Chad, in turn, admired Marina’s drive, her impeccable organization skills (which he most certainly needed), her quick wit, and, most importantly, her ability to put up with him.

On March 25, 2024, after asking both David and Nichole for Marina’s hand in marriage while they were in town for Addisyn’s Senior Night, Chad proposed to Marina at the same restaurant they had visited on their one-year dating anniversary. The proposal was as thoughtful as their relationship—Chad even had a hand in designing Marina’s engagement ring, with a little help, to create the most perfect ring she could have imagined.

Chad and Marina can’t wait to celebrate their special day, surrounded by the love of their friends and family.