Cole and Ryan met at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Cole and Ryan both attended the Appalachian State University Police Officer Development Program where Ryan trained Cole in the one of the many programs the police department used to keep the campus safe. Cole and Ryan worked closely with one another for about a year before they started dating.

After telling each other how they felt, Cole planned a picnic at one of the parks in Boone. Cole and Ryan, along with Ryan's dog Gunnar, met at the Greenway and walked around talking for hours about life. Ryan knew Cole was a good person because Gunnar loved Cole!

Cole and Ryan have been dating long distance for over a year and a half. On the morning of New Years Eve (2023), Cole got down on one knee and asked Ryan to marry him. Through this crazy adventure, we are so excited to celebrate with all of our friends and family!