Marcus and Maaike first heard of each other during their freshman and sophomore years (respectively) while taking an online (Covid era) economics class. While one of them participated fervently and went on to get a degree in economics, the other left their camera off and used their time to further their interest in gaming. (Feel free to hypothesize on who did what.)

Maaike recounts that one of their first in-person encounters occurred while Maaike was at church with friends. Her large group coincidentally sat behind Marcus and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bult. Since Marcus knew some of Maaike's friends, Mrs. Bult went down the line and hugged everyone, including Maaike, assuming that they were all his friends! Little did either of them know that they would meet (and hug!) again a few years later under different circumstances.

A few years later, a mutual friend connected the two together. After Maaike finally stopped her nervous rambling, the two were able to play some competitive games of pickle-ball (only speaking of the games in which Marcus used his non-dominant hand) and grab ice cream. Ever since that first date, Maaike has learned everything there is to know about golf (though would likely fail a test on it), been shown countless magic/card tricks, and gotten slam dunked on. Marcus has won almost every competitive two-person game, thrown away his middle-school T-shirts, and been asked to share a meal (or at least split 2 different ones) every time they are out to eat.

They are absolutely thrilled to be getting married and even more thankful to do it alongside of their closest friends and family. December 28 can't come quickly enough!