It started in 2011 when Michael met Mariesa while working at the Coborn's deli. They started to spend time together, and then that December Michael asked Mariesa on a date to the Guthrie Theater to watch A Christmas Carol.

Shortly after Michael asked Mariesa to move in together into a small apartment in Princeton. They lived there for about 3 years while continuing to work together at Coborn's. They also enjoyed spending time camping and hiking together.

Around 2014 Michael got a job in web development, and Mariesa moved up at Coborn's to the corporate office in accounting. They then decided to buy a house together.

In July of 2021 they went camping at George Crosby Manitou State Park in Northern Minnesota. It was a long hike to their campsite, and when they got there they were exhausted. But, the next day Michael asked Mariesa to marry him, and she said "yes!"