Melia and Darnell matched on Bumble on October 23, 2020. Shortly after, they had a first date in Alliance, OH on November 6. Their first date was immediately followed up by a second date at Mud Run golf course on November 8. The couple made it official to date on January 3, 2021, with roses and brunch. Melia and Darnell celebrated their first Black Love Day with a self-guided wine tasting and dinner from Gervasi Vineyards' Crush House on February 13. As the writing was on the wall from the very beginning, the couple got engaged in Niagara on the Lake, Canada on May 19, 2023, during a private wine tasting at Konzelmann Estate Winery.