WHAT IS OUR STORY?

THE ANSWER IS... their story began roughly 7-8 years ago. Both were recent college graduates – Steve was then living in the Twin Cities, but coming home to Superior, WI regularly. Deanna had decided to move to the Twin Ports, instead of back to Las Vegas where she grew up, and was living with her grandma. Their first few encounters were around this time, while Steve was home visiting and both were out with mutual friends.

Fast forward to Spring 2021, Steve was working remotely for a sales company and decided it best to move in with his sister and her boyfriend in Duluth so he could be closer to family. Deanna had since purchased her own home, was working two jobs, AND putting herself through law school.

That summer, they were both invited to trivia night at their mutual friends Mike & Mary Johnson’s house. Unbeknownst to them, Mary was doing a bit of matchmaking – her reasoning for pairing the two being Steve and Deanna were both “wordy” people. Steve had a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Deanna was now pursuing law.  

They were surprised to see each other, but remembered meeting years prior and had fun catching up, having some laughs, and “trivia-ing”. Wouldn’t you know it, trivia night turned into a weekly get together, so Steve and Deanna saw each other a lot that summer and became friendly.

Friendly enough for Deanna to invite Steve out for her birthday later that year – or so he thought... In fact, Deanna’s cousin, Kelsey, was playing matchmaker herself and texting on Deanna’s phone. She convinced Steve to take the LONG trek from East Duluth to Superior to celebrate – after working a long shift, albeit. That night is one they all still joke about today and credit in helping their relationship take off.

Soon, one night of trivia a week just wasn’t enough and the two started spending even more time together – frequenting local area breweries/restaurants, hanging with mutual friends, and having scary movie nights at Deanna’s house. It was clear something special was happening and they made it official that December. Also, by this point, Steve’s sister had gotten engaged so he thought it time to move out. After some discussion, he moved in with Deanna and her FOUR cats (Stevie Nicks, Figaro Boots, Sully & Gizmo) the following month.

Three years later, Steve is still working remotely for the same sales company. Deanna has since graduated from law school, is clerking for a St. Louis County judge, and recently passed the Minnesota State Bar. With things finally settled a bit, in late October 2024, Steve got down on one knee at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, apparently on the windiest day of the year, and asked Deanna to marry him. Thankfully, Deanna let him get through his long spiel and graciously said YES!