The couple was introduced by mutual friends on a game day in Lincoln, NE! Austin offered to buy Shayla a drink after meeting but Shayla ran into other friends and left without getting a drink. Fast forward to the next weekend when the couple met up again and this time Shayla offered to buy Austin a drink but yet again Austin ran into other friends and left without getting a drink. The major turning point in the couples relationship was when Shayla's best friend Bri left her phone at Barry's. Shayla was trying to get in contact with Bri who was with Austin's friend Jake at the time, remembering she had Austin on Instagram Shayla messaged Austin trying to get Jakes phone number. Austin offered Jakes number only if he could get Shayla's, the couple has been inseparable since.

The couple went on a double date with their mutual friends that began at HopCat and ended at the Happy Raven playing Singo not knowing this would be the last first date either of them went on. From the start of the date Shayla and Austin had an instant connection, talking and laughing as if they had known each other for years. The Happy Raven was having a 90's Singo (Bingo with songs) night and that is where their love started, Austin had Shayla hooked with his goofy dance moves and Shayla had Austin hooked belting out 90's music.

The couple went on vacation with Austin's family to Lake of the Ozarks. Sunday July 21st the group decided to go out for a nice dinner but before leaving everyone made their way down to the dock to take pictures. Austin and Shayla were taking pictures while the song "This is It" by Scotty McCreary was playing in the background. Austin got down on one knee during the verse "right time and place for me, to get on one knee" Shayla was completely shocked and immediately shed many happy tears. Easiest decision of Shayla's life was saying "YES!" to forever with Austin.