Our story begins at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut as freshman eager for adventures. Lucky for us, we lived next door to each other, so finding a companion for exploring was as easy as a knock on the door.

As college progressed, we found ourselves gravitating towards one another. Joe continually tried to impress Marlena with jokes and his ability to weather cold New England nights wearing a t-shirt.

One night when Joe was particularly entertaining, and Marlena’s laughter was so inspiring, he knew he had to keep her around. Joe dropped to one knee and proposed, offering Marlena a ring made from a cocktail straw -- despite never having dated.

Laughing, Marlena, said yes. Who wouldn’t want to marry this handsome comedian?

The summer prior to their junior year, Joe, Marlena and good friends Frank, Max and Cusano stayed in Connecticut to take internships and summer jobs. Although Marlena enjoyed hanging with this wonderful crew, she found herself wanting to spend time alone with Joe.

Marlena used her pasta making skills, bought a six-pack of beer and enticed Joe to assemble IKEA furniture for her that summer – the perfect excuse to be alone with Joe.

This special summer together became the foundation for their relationship and they were soon officially a couple.