Sam and Marianna met freshman year at the University of Minnesota, thanks to the extroversion of Sam's roommate, Hubert. Hubert wanted to make friends and meet the girls on the floor, so he made two bags of microwave popcorn in their dorm room. One of them had the bright idea to put it into the emptied-out dorm trash can (smart).

They went about meeting their neighbors, including one room at the very end of the hall. The room was extended housing, which meant more space and a better view, so it was the best hangout spot for what appeared to be all the girls on the floor. Hubert and Sam knocked, and the door was opened by Maddy Hoffman, Marianna’s roommate. Marianna lurked away from the door overwhelmed with the commotion of the night and briefly caught a glimpse at Sam just as the night festivities were coming to a close. The soon to be married couple never spoke that night, but luckily everyone got along and became friends.

The group got together many times that year, and Sam and Marianna got to know each other better. Maddy was every bit as outgoing as Hubert, so they did most of the planning and communication. What drew Marianna to Sam was his excitement for life, goofy energy, and desire to help others. Sam was drawn to Marianna for her witty personality and kind, loving heart.

It wasn’t until the summer before Junior year that Sam and Marinanna broke away from the group and started spending time together alone. Their favorite thing to do that summer was to go on walks and runs around Normandale Lake in Bloomington.

They started dating and became Facebook Official (people still did that back then), in February of 2017, which marked the second half of both of their junior years. Seven years later, they have both grown and changed a lot, but they are lucky to have done it together. Their relationship survived Sam’s first job in Mankato, Marianna getting through an accelerated nursing program, and more. They are excited to keep working and growing together in life, and most importantly in their faith and love of God.

Registry