In June of 2021, Marissa and Eli met at a friends party. This was the first time they interacted. Eli mentioned how his mother was a nurse and asked Marissa how she was liking being a nurse. By the end of the night, Marissa and Eli had gone their separate ways.

In October, Marissa received a message from Eli on Instagram asking if she loved scary movies as much as he did. That sparked a quick friendship.

On October 12th, Eli asked Marissa out on a date. They decided to go to West Hartford after work. Eli had suggested that they go to The Elbow Room. Which unfortunately, was closed so they decided on Bar Taco. They walked around after dinner and Eli paid for Marissa's drink at the World of Beer. This date was the start of numerous dates to come.

Later in October, Eli asked Marissa to be his girlfriend. Both of them would find out later that they had found their forever partner and best friend for life.