It all began in April 2018, in the most unexpected way. Ole missed a flight. Marissa picked up an extra bartending shift. Two strangers ended up in the same place at the same time, sharing an easy, genuine conversation about life, goals, and dreams for the future.

They exchanged numbers, not expecting much—maybe they'd never speak again. But life has a funny way of bringing people back together.

Over the next few years, they kept in touch from afar, occasionally checking in to see how the other was doing. But it wasn’t just virtual—between 2018 and 2023, they met up a couple of times.

One visit brought Ole to Los Angeles, where they shared a beautiful seafood dinner by the coast, catching up on life and laughing like no time had passed. Another time, they met up for a ski weekend at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon—a trip that pushed Marissa far out of her comfort zone. (She grew up in Wisconsin, where the "mountains" are more like hills, so let’s just say it was a humbling experience.)

Still, despite the miles and different lifestyles—Marissa building her finance career in LA, and Ole holding it down at Old Trapper in Oregon—their connection never quite faded.

Then came April 6, 2023.

Ole decided to message Marissa on Instagram, just to check in. She didn’t recognize the name right away (she wasn’t even following him at the time), but once she realized it was that Ole, their conversation picked up right where it had left off—effortless and familiar.

After months of talking, they knew it was time to see each other again. In June 2023, Marissa flew to Oregon. She was blown away by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest—and even more by the way Ole made her feel.

Ole knew it then and there: Marissa was the one.

And now for the proposal—because this part’s too good not to share.

Ole planned a weekend getaway to Astoria, Oregon, a charming coastal town that Marissa had fallen in love with during a previous trip. A year later, they returned—this time with friends and family nearby in Seaside, making the weekend extra special.

The original plan? Propose at the top of the Astoria Column, a 125-foot tower with nearly 200 steps and a sweeping view of the river. But Mother Nature had other plans—the wind was howling that day, making a proposal at the top impossible.

As they descended the column, Ole started breathing heavily. Marissa told him to take a break, but he insisted they keep walking—to the nearby lookout.

And that’s where it happened. Ole took her hands, told her everything his heart had been holding, and got down on one knee.Marissa was completely surprised—but said yes without hesitation.

And how did they celebrate their engagement? With the most romantic meal of all: a Whopper Jr. from Burger King—a perfectly fitting snack for a perfectly imperfect day.

Now, with full hearts (and full stomachs), they’re so excited to start this next chapter—surrounded by love, laughter, and maybe a few more burgers along the way. 🍔💍