Ariel and Jason met at Bradley University. After graduation, Jason moved back to Skokie, Illinois and Ariel moved to Muscatine, Iowa. Ariel invited Jason to be her date to her cousin, Ryan and Tara's wedding. Shortly after they began dating long distance. After almost two years, Ariel's job brought her to Houston, Texas. Jason followed soon after. They quickly adopted the southern culture and adopted their dog, Kona. Over the last few years they have started their lives and careers here and now call Houston home.

The proposal took place in Denver over Labor Day weekend on a trip with a few of their closest friends. Jason flew into Denver a few days before Ariel to see some friends, little did she know he was also organizing an engagement party. Once Ariel and their remaining friends arrived they all drove out to the Rocky Mountains. They stayed in a cabin in order to be up early and get started on a beautiful hike. Ariel didn't have enough room in her suitcase and had given their friend Steven her hiking boots to pack in his bag. Ariel had forgotten that she did that and spent the entire night panicking and stating that she was no longer going on the hike. She had no idea that's when Jason was planning to propose. Jason couldn't help but nervously laugh at the situation. In the morning she found her shoes and Ariel's attitude positively changed. They hiked up 6 miles in one direction to a spectacular waterfall. Their friends asked Ariel and Jason to pose for "just a photo" but it turned out to be the moment Jason got down on his knee and asked Ariel to marry him!