Joel’s family knew of Irene long before the couple even started talking. His aunts spent many mornings watching Irene on Fox10’s AZAM, thinking she seemed like a good match for their nephew. So on Easter Sunday 2024, when Joel first mentioned he had a Hinge date with some TV reporter, who had an “old name” they immediately started screaming—guessing correctly that it was Irene Snyder from Fox10. Over the next year and a half, Joel and Irene had countless adventures together—from hiking mountains at home in Arizona, to hitting up beaches around the country, golfing, exploring each other’s hometowns, and embarking on several Disney trips (Irene’s idea of course). Joel turned out to be the perfect dog dad to little Lucy. She’s enjoyed running along the beach with cuddling, playing and traveling with her daddy—always happy to provide plenty of love and kisses to her new favorite guy. On December 15 2025, Joel proposed to Irene on a secret beach at Disney Aulani in Ko’Olina, Hawaii! The most perfect proposal complete with a special visitor! Joel was leading Irene out for a sunset walk by the beach—when Lucy came bounding across the sand toward her paw-rents, dressed as one of the couple’s favorite characters, Stitch. The whole set up was complete with lights, candles and a Stitch blanket (to make sure the ring didn’t get lost in the sand)! Their Hawaiian friends Liz and Yoshi were hiding in the bushes, taking pictures and videos—capturing a very special, romantic moment for this “Ohana” (family). This marked the beginning of their Happily Ever After together. 💖