After being set up on a blind date, Cole picked Erica up at her mom and step-dads house. They went to O'Charley's and played putt-putt golf in Corydon. After that day, they decided they wanted to get to know each other more and started dating. Within a couple months they knew they wanted to move in together...and the rest is history.

On December 26, 2018 Cole told Erica to be ready by 5:30 because they "were going somewhere". They shortly arrived at the Christmas City in Charlestown, Indiana and took the train ride around town to view the Christmas lights. After that, Cole mentioned that they should take a walk in the park to see more of the Christmas lights. While walking in the park, Cole asked if Erica wanted to take a picture together in front of the lights. They decided to take a picture in front of a large Christmas tree light and asked a stranger to take it for them. Cole whispered to the stranger, "I'm about to propose to my girlfriend." while handing him the phone. Instead of posing for a picture he got down on one knee and proposed!