When Mark asked Kristyn on a date, she suggested Moo Time Creamery--an ice cream parlor in Coronado, CA. Little did Kristyn know that the way to Mark's heart is through ice cream! Kristyn and Mark shared their first date walking along the beach, talking, and of course eating their shared favorite sweet. The rest, as they say, is history!

Kristyn and Mark spent their first weekend apart when Kristyn returned to New York for her best friend's wedding. Mark popped the question--will you be my girlfriend--the day she got back to town! It was probably via text. Neither of us can remember.

After only dating for two months, Mark was shipped off to Pensacola for training. At a little Italian restaurant before he left, Mark asked Kristyn if she would wait for him. Kristyn was told it would only be for four months, and it was a no brainer! The trip was longer than expected, but the two made it work. Kristyn frequently travelled to Florida to see Mark and the two even met "half way" in Nashville. Long distance never seemed so easy!

Mark made the long trip back to California just in time for his birthday! Kristyn and Mark then bounced from an apartment, to an AirBnB, and finally to a condo, spending their time rock wall climbing and hanging out at breweries. In July, they made the cross-country road trip from California to Virginia, stopping to see sites and family along the way.

Mark and Kristyn met their family in Florida for their first holiday together. Friday was a rainy day, and still stuffed from Thanksgiving dinner the night before, all Kristyn wanted to do was sit on the couch and watch football. But Mark dragged her out under the guise that he needed an energy drink and wanted to grab a cocktail before dinner. Mark missed the turn for the downtown bar, but Kristyn never became suspicious! Later that night, surrounded by family, the pair danced the night away. Mark managed to pull off the hardest surprise and Kristyn made the easiest decision!