Going back to 8th grade, Marin remembers growing fond of Connor specifically during their field trip to Washington D.C. They were in the same travel group together where they spent time exploring D.C. Romantic right? Well... Connor claims to not remember Marin at all. What he does remember is Marin's family helping his family jump their car after the field trip in the school parking lot. So silly.

The two really became friends in 9th grade where they were in health and P.E. class together. There was definitely some shared flirting happening, but being just friends seemed to be the easiest. They would also often eat lunch together (and with other friends sometimes). Fast forwarding to 11th grade, with many lunch conversations and post-school hangouts, their friendship continued to grow. After Connor helped Marin get a summer job with him at the local YMCA, they really began falling for each other. With so much time spent together, they slowly realized they did not want to spend time apart. They began dating the summer before their senior year of high school, August 10, 2019.

Through the craziness of COVID, they both decided to continue their education and time together at Appalachian State in Boone, NC. There, they found a home in the mountains that fostered personal and relational growth. Growing in independence as adults, they also grew together as a couple navigating life. Connor proposed on November 28th, 2023 at Thunder Hill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After almost 5 years of officially dating, with years of friendship prior, the two are excited to take the next step in marriage and will set down roots in Concord, NC together this July as newlyweds.