Marissa and James' relationship can only be described as spontaneous and unique.

What was thought to be an enjoyable Saturday night out for James, and a long closing shift at work for Marissa, ended up being so much more. If it wasn't for the unfortunate event of a Columbus Crew game being cancelled due to a man being struck by lighting, Marissa and James would have never met. Knowing Marissa was working the closing shift at the restaurant, James seized the opportunity to convince his buddy Mike to get a late night meal. Around 10:30 p.m. Marissa was working the host stand when James and Mike walked in. Marissa suspected the handsome guy walking in to be James, but was too shy to confirm. She awkwardly proceeded with hostessing duties and greeted the two gentlemen, grabbing some menus and attempted to walk them to a table. Confidentiality, James quickly stopped Marissa, put his hand out and said "Hi I'm James." Marissa and James locked eyes and smiled. James and his friend stayed till closing that Saturday night, as James and Marissa talked until her closing shift was over. He walked her to her car and properly asked her on a date the next day (after Marissa's Sunday work shift). That Sunday afternoon, the two met at the dairy queen in Westerville.

Marissa and James became inseparable every since their first date....that is until 9 months into the relationship Marissa called James informing him she was moving to Illinois to pursue her Master's Degree at Illinois State. James was nothing but supportive and reassured Marissa they would make long distance work and stay together. For 22 months, Marissa and James were 311 miles apart but found ways to continue to see each other. Marissa and James made frequent road trips visiting one another until her graduation. Marissa's graduation from ISU was exciting for the couple but in different ways; Marissa celebrated her next step in her career while James was asking her parents for their blessing to propose.

In June 2017 the couple was no longer a 6 hour drive apart but only 10 feet away from each other, as they happily moved into their new apartment. In November 2017, James and Marissa took a trip down to Texas where James surprisingly went down on one knee at the Dallas Texas Reunion tower and asked Marissa to marry him.

M&J

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception