Tyler and Marissa first met through mutual friends while they were both in town. One night, everyone met up at Itap, where conversation flowed easily. Marissa, an avid traveler, was talking with her best friend about upcoming trips, including a planned Hawaii trip for her 30th birthday. Jokingly, she mentioned that anyone was welcome to join, with the heads-up that the trip would include her 16-month-old daughter, Josie, and her family which included her mom, dad, and brother.

In November, Marissa received a text from her best friend’s boyfriend asking if the offer still stood for two of his friends to join the trip and one of them being Tyler. Marissa said yes, again reminding them that a toddler and family would be part of the adventure. The trip was booked, and Tyler agreed to go, having no idea how much his life was about to change.

Fast forward to Hawaii. Marissa and Tyler quickly connected, flirting while playing golf around the dining room with friends. The next night, they went to a speakeasy, sat next to each other, and talked for hours. They traveled and explored together, laughing and having the best time. When they arrived in Oahu, they finally spent some one-on-one time together and realized there might be something special there. From the beginning, everything felt easy and safe, like they had known each other for a long time.

After an unforgettable 10-day trip, during which Tyler spent time with Marissa’s family and her daughter, Josie, they planned their first official date for February 18, 2024. They went bowling, where Marissa beat Tyler in the first game...but to his credit, he won the second. Sparks were flying. Many dates followed, their connection grew stronger, and by St. Patrick’s Day, they both knew for sure.

They made it official on March 30. In April, they took a trip to Flagstaff for Tyler’s birthday, where they said “I love you” for the first time. The past year and a half has been filled with incredible memories, laughter, and adventure.

On November 22, 2025, Tyler took Marissa on a hike and asked her to spend forever with him. She, of course, said yes. And now, here we are, planning forever together.