Chanel and Dakarai met back in 2016 out on the town at Drake's in Lexington, KY. Chanel was instantly drawn to Dakarai with his bright smile. Chanel asked Dakarai for his number like the woman on a mission she is and from then on the friendship flourished. Over the years the two bonded over movie nights and Game of Thrones, but in 2019 Chanel got news that she would be relocating to Eugene, OR. With her heart still in Kentucky, Chanel and Dakarai kept in touch. In December 2019 Chanel was home visiting for Christmas with the exciting news that she was moving back to Kentucky, but in Louisville this time. Ultimately, the big hopes and promises everyone had for 2020 were on the horizon. Chanel hoped that Dakarai would be a part of the new year. Once Chanel relocated back to Kentucky it was off to the races, which meant the two were officially together! Alongside Chanel was her Goldendoodle, Jaxson, reluctantly Dakarai had no choice but to accept the package deal. The rest is history.

On April 15, 2023, Dakarai planned a day of activities for Chanel in Bardstown, KY. The couple spent lunch on the RJ Corman train taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Once the train tour concluded Chanel and Dakarai did what most Kentuckians do and visited a distillery and of course participated in a tasting. The final stop on the agenda was My Old Kentucky Home. The couple took a tour of the home and was able to learn more about the house and those who lived there many years ago. After the tour Chanel and Dakarai sat outside in two black rocking chairs on the front lawn of the home to reflect. Dakarai turns to Chanel and gives her a card, which is not unusual because he has given cards with no occasion before. The couple stood up to hug and Chanel began to turn away until she realized that Dakarai was on one knee. Through tears she was able to hear him say, “Thank you for making Kentucky finally feel like home. Will you marry me?”. A few moments pass still crying, Dakarai’s heart racing awaiting a response and finally Chanel responds, “YES”!