PJ and Kelsey met on Tinder at the beginning of their final semester at Texas A&M University in February of 2017. The two quickly connected over their love of the outdoors, food, and Hobbes (PJ's cat). They spent their last semester at A&M getting to know each other. After graduation, PJ was planning to start graduate school at A&M and Kelsey was planning to move to Austin for work. The two decided to make the easy decision stay together despite only dating for approximately four months at this point. With this decision, two years of "medium" distance began. Spending weekends traveling between Austin and College Station quickly became the norm. During this time, PJ and Kelsey strengthened their relationship, further bonding over their love for hiking and the Texas Hill Country. Upon graduation with his master’s in May of 2019, PJ and Kelsey moved to Houston together.

Every year for their anniversary, PJ and Kelsey take a long weekend to go camping. Their first anniversary was spent at Pedernales Falls State Park. Their second anniversary was spent at Pace Bend Park. Their three year anniversary was no different. They decided to go camping at Enchanted Rock. The trip started out as normal. On Friday, March 13, 2020, they hiked in, set up camp, and got ready to explore the park. To beat out the impending rain, they set off to hike Enchanted Rock. While atop Enchanted Rock, PJ suggested they hike Little Rock, a more remote area located next to the main peak. On Little Rock, with no one else around and after only a little bit of fumbling for the ring in the pocket of his hiking pants, PJ asked Kelsey if she would marry him and spend the rest their lives together. She quickly answered yes. On top of Little Rock, Kelsey and PJ were able to get a tiny bit of cell reception and FaceTime their closest friends and family to share the special moment with them. One day after returning from camping, PJ and Kelsey entered lock-down together at their home in Houston and began planning their wedding.