Connect How did your love story begin?

We met on Facebook Dating and had our first date at Center Square Grill. Before meeting, Mari asked her sister-in-law about me through mutual Facebook friends. As a mom of four daughters, she was careful who she welcomed into her life, and as a dad of two daughters, I understood. We shared the same values and hometown, though our paths never crossed growing up. At the end of the night, I asked if I could kiss her. She smiled, said yes, and later told me no one had ever asked her that way before.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Our favorite memory wasn't a single moment, but watching two families become one. We were given a second chance to build the kind of home we always hoped for and show our six children what love, respect, commitment, and partnership look like every day. From family ski trips and everyday hugs to celebrating milestones, we've watched six children become sisters and created memories we'll cherish forever.

What would you do with $20,000?

On 6/20/26, we traveled to St. John with our six daughters to exchange vows on a modest budget because celebrating with our family meant more than an extravagant wedding. My cousin generously opened their home to us for seven days, and 14 family members and friends joined us to celebrate. We snorkeled, explored the island, rode open-air taxis, and made memories we'll cherish forever. Winning $20,000 would let us plan the honeymoon we postponed and create a new set of memories, just the two of us