Cole and Erin knew each other when they were pre-teens. Cole was friends with Erin's brothers from school and sports, and would come over to the house for epic games of Capture the Flag and bonfires. However, they were only friends by association. They met again in high school through church, and Cole would come (very often) through the Drive-Thru of Erin's after-school job. After each went to college, they lost touch yet again, and finally re-met during the summer between Erin's Sophomore and Junior year of school. They had their first date in July of 2016 and the rest is history.

Cole asked Erin the big question on the day before Thanksgiving, 2019. He tried to wait another month so he could do it on their vacation to the beach, but couldn't wait any longer. Cole carried the ring with him wherever he went prior to asking, desperate not to lose the ring before he was able to pop the question.