Mario's sister approached Jena at church, sharing her desire for Jena to go on a date with her brother! Jena eventually said yes, and met Mario for sushi. Date 1 turned into date 2...right after dinner, when Mario asked Jena to the movies. Both went home giddy over a night of great conversation, fun, and laughter.

After a family vacation with Jena's family in Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Mario took Jena on a day trip to Boone, NC- where he knew Jena wanted to visit her alma mater. They walked around Boone, visited pottery shops, and ventured over to Blowing Rock. After a quick stop at Kilwins (YUMMY), Mario reminded Jena he had a late Christmas present in the truck. Jena opened an envelope to reveal tickets to the Candlelight Tour at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, and one paper puzzle piece! Jena loves Christmas lights so what better way to spend the last day of the holiday break, than at the Biltmore?! Jena-completely unaware of the night ahead, was thrilled for the next leg of the journey. After arriving at The Biltmore, Jena began bundling up, while Mario fetched ANOTHER present from the bed of the truck. "Do I get to open it now??" ...not yet! Mario suggested opening the gift by the Christmas tree on the front lawn, because after all, it was a Christmas present. Finally at the illuminated trees, Jena began opening the box only to reveal another box and another puzzle piece. She opened another box, and again, and again, and again! Six boxes and pieces later, a puzzle picturing a diamond and a small jewelry box remained. Mario, on one knee at this point, opened the final box, "Jena Rebecca Carter, will you marry me?" "Yes!" ...and to top it off they still enjoyed the Candle Light Tour!