Grace and Mark met at DeSales University during freshman orientation and became fast friends in trivia and community service events. They enjoyed their time together studying for biology exams the night before and then getting off topic getting to know each other instead of learning for their test. That time was very well spent.

They had their first date in April of 2018 when Mark took Grace to the movie “A Quiet Place” after asking if she liked scary movies. Grace said that she would enjoy going to the scary movie with Mark, although Mark later learned that meant she wanted to go on the date with him but also really does not like scary movies. Grace forced him to watch a children’s movie to make up for scaring her on the first date. Two lessons learned, don’t take Grace to a scary movie unless you are okay with watching hours of Mulan afterwards and don’t do a scary movie for the second date.

After plenty of dates during the rest of freshman year, including more study dates that became a time to get to know each other better instead of studying, their relationship grew stronger. Mark kept them on track as best he could while Grace provided some much needed distraction with her jokes and nicknames. Cheez-it was Mark’s personal favorite nickname for him.

When summer came, they couldn’t stay apart and found ways to meet up each week. Mark made their relationship official on July 21st with roses and candles in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

They leaned on each other through their rigorous academic programs, and were a constant source of strength and love for each other through late nights, sports, and stressful times. They stuck together through Covid and long distance, including when Mark moved to Denver for a year to be with his sister and brother-in-law. As they approach their wedding and the beginning of the rest of their lives, they look forward to traveling adventures, children’s movies, beach days, amusement parks, dancing, and building a home together.