From California to Virginia: A Cross-Country Love Story

For a lifelong Californian, the idea of leaving the West Coast seemed unlikely. Yet, for Marissa Chiechi, a connection made on a dating app sparked a journey that would take her across the country. In 2020, amid the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, she matched with Rejoy on Bumble. What began as a socially distanced picnic evolved into a serious relationship that would eventually require a major life decision.

When Rejoy's career with NASA necessitated a move to the East Coast, Marissa faced a choice: stay in California or start a new adventure. This is the story of her relocation from Los Angeles to Alexandria, Virginia—a move that challenged her comfort zone, expanded her horizons, and ultimately led to a deeper understanding of herself and her capabilities.

The relationship began in the spring of 2020, a time when the world was largely shut down. Marissa, born and raised in California, met Rejoy, who was originally from Texas but working on a contract assignment with NASA in Redondo Beach. Their first date was a double date, featuring a socially distanced picnic in the park—a quintessential pandemic-era outing.

Despite the unusual circumstances, their connection deepened quickly. They texted constantly and saw each other frequently, and by September 2020, during a trip to Joshua Tree for Rejoy's birthday, the future of their relationship took a significant turn. Rejoy was transparent about his career trajectory, informing Marissa that his job would likely require a move to the East Coast in the near future.

"He wanted to be upfront and not spring it on me later. I really appreciated his honesty."

For Marissa, the news was not a deterrent but an exciting prospect. She had never been a fan of California's lack of seasons and had always felt drawn to the energy of big cities and fast-paced environments. The possibility of moving felt less like a sacrifice and more like the beginning of an adventure.

Approximately six to eight months after their conversation in Joshua Tree, the specific details of the move materialized. Rejoy's new position was at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Marissa, who had visited New York City over twenty times and loved the subway, immediately assumed they were moving to the Big Apple. She was thrilled at the prospect.

However, the job assignment was not in New York. Instead, it was in Alexandria, Virginia. Marissa initially knew nothing about the area and assumed it would be "in the middle of nowhere." Her perspective shifted when she learned they would be just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., offering the urban energy she craved.

The announcement of the move was met with skepticism from friends and family. Marissa recalls the reactions:

• "You're leaving California?! Everyone wants to live in California!"
• "Are you ready to be snowed in?"
• "What about freezing temperatures?"

Despite the warnings, Marissa found the reality far less intimidating than the rumors. She purchased a brand-new North Face coat that ultimately remained in her closet, as the Virginia weather was not as extreme as she had been led to believe.

Arriving in Alexandria in 2021, Marissa found a city that defied her expectations. She describes it as a "little Hallmark city"—cute, quaint, historic, and genuinely charming. While it offered a small-town feel, it also boasted a diverse mix of people drawn to a slower pace of life. The proximity to Washington, D.C., was a major advantage, with a scenic 10-minute drive across a beautiful bridge connecting the two locations.

The couple rented a one-bedroom, 720-square-foot apartment sight-unseen, relying on a single virtual tour before signing the lease. The financial reality of the move was surprising; their monthly rent of $2,453 was higher than what Marissa had paid in California. Additionally, they each paid between $350 and $400 monthly for parking.

One of the greatest joys of the move was experiencing all four seasons. From her apartment balcony, Marissa could watch the fall foliage change colors throughout the year, a stark contrast to the perpetual summer of Southern California.

"The move has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made."

The transition was not without its emotional challenges. In the beginning, Marissa experienced significant loneliness. She missed her friends and family back home and didn't know anyone in Virginia. While she had a few acquaintances in the D.C. area, the initial period was isolating.

The financial logistics of travel also created a disparity. Rejoy, as a flight attendant's relative, could fly for free to visit his family in Texas. Marissa had to pay for her flights, which meant she returned to California less frequently than she would have liked.

However, this period of solitude became a catalyst for personal growth. The experience forced Marissa to become comfortable with being alone and to find happiness within herself.

• She learned to navigate a new city independently.
• She developed a stronger sense of self-reliance.
• She built a new social circle from scratch.

Eventually, friends from her high school also moved to the area, and their social circle slowly expanded. Looking back, Marissa views the move as an empowering experience that proved she could thrive even if things didn't work out as planned.

In 2023, the couple got engaged during a trip to Cappadocia to watch hot air balloons. The proposal was memorable for its imperfections: their luggage was lost, the weather was poor, and the balloons did not fly. In their engagement photos, the balloons were photoshopped in by the photographer, adding a humorous twist to a special moment.

In 2024, Rejoy's contract ended, prompting the couple to reevaluate their living situation. They decided not to stay in Alexandria, as the type of home they wanted was not affordable in the area. In April 2025, they moved again.

Currently, Marissa is back in Los Angeles while Rejoy has accepted a new job in Austin, Texas. Marissa plans to move to Austin next, continuing their journey of adaptability and exploration.

"If there's one thing this whole experience has taught me, it's to stay open to opportunities and whatever comes next."

Her story serves as a testament to the idea that life moves quickly, and embracing change can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.