They met at their Cru Community Group at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in September of 2018. Jason tried to be patient and play it cool, but that plan fell through when she texted him sharing her interest in him. Responding in record time, Jason scheduled their first date at her favorite restaurant, Qdoba. Three Cru events, four volleyball games, and six days later, they were exclusive.

Hope and her sister, Leah, had a brunch scheduled for Saturday morning at the Garden Griddle in Paw Paw, MI. As they exited the restaurant, Jason greeted them with flowers for Hope and an invitation to take a walk. Since Jason was supposed to be in Middleville, MI, at his family's lake house, Hope was thoroughly surprised. A quick walk across the street and they arrived at a park with a gazebo that was beautifully decorated by Jason's talented sisters. Jason so sweetly asked Hope to marry him, and she said "YES!"