The couple met through Austin’s family friends Lyle and Tracy Konschuh. Tracy, also being a good friend and colleague of Dakota, invited them both on what would be their first “date” to meet the Konschuh puppies. Along with Tracy and Lyle, they were joined by Austin’s brother Ethan, Ethan’s girlfriend Kaylee, Dakota’s friends and colleagues Katie and Darbi and most importantly, Renn. Throughout their first two dates Austin spoke a total of 7 words, but ultimately the beard won Dakota over.

Austin had been planning to propose to Dakota for a while, however, he never imagined that a global pandemic may alter his plans. Due to store closures and shipping interruptions, the engagement ring he had ordered was unable to arrive and plans to propose on their mutual birthday were no longer a reality. With no arrival date in sight, and being a self-described “eager beaver”, Austin couldn’t wait; he decided he would ask his mother Lana to use one of his Nana’s (Edna Bray’s) rings. That same evening that he asked for his Nana’s ring, he took Dakota outside to fly his drone (very Austin). He had convinced Dakota to fly it (very trusting) and instructed her to fly the drone towards a tree. When Dakota had turned away from him, he dropped to one knee. Dakota, thinking he had fallen, whipped her head around to check if he was okay and there he was; asking her to be his wife. Dakota instantly said yes! However, she was afraid to move… as she knew that if she had crashed the drone, Austin probably would take the ring back.