Shortly after beginning school at Ball State as a freshman, Mason was introduced to Ariel through a mutual friend, Erin Pinter (a bridesmaid in the wedding!), who asked them both to play with her on the same intramural volleyball team.

Ariel and Mason's first date was way back in November of 2018, where (as broke college students) they went to Olive Garden for dinner and had a BLAST. It was history from there as they both tried to hide how much they were into eachother immediately.

After a few more dates in the Ball State dining halls, Ariel and Mason were spending nearly every day together and Mason asked her to be his girlfriend on 11/27/18.

Nearly two years into being together, COVID hit and provided a unique opportunity for the couple to live together in Mason's college house in Muncie. This was when, with Ariel being a year older, Mason decided to take an extra year of classes during that summer so the two could graduate together the following summer.

Ariel and Mason graduated from Ball State together in May of 2021, which is still one of their favorite memories.

After college, they both moved back home to save up money and figure out their next steps together as a couple. They did long distance for nearly a year, which was at times difficult and frustrating, before moving in together in Fishers, IN where they still live now with their dogs Cooper and Clark.

Just before hitting their 6 year anniversary, Mason proposed to Ariel on 9/28/24. Despite being a notoriously bad secret-keeper, Mason and Ariel's best friend Aino (her Maid of Honor) were able to plan a perfect surprise proposal.