It is hard for Hunter and Melissa to pinpoint the exact moment when they met. Hunter recalls the first time he met Melissa, which was at Boonies during the summer of 2015, but apparently he didn't make a lasting impression because Melissa doesn't remember that encounter. They finally came to the consensus that the first moment they both remember getting to know each other was playing co-ed softball the summer of 2016, a whole year after Hunter's first strikeout. As Hunter started being incorporated into the core HNI friend group, him and Melissa became closer friends and continued to play on the same softball and volleyball teams for their remaining time in Muscatine. As their friendship continued to grow, Hunter's undeniably good looks and charming personality started to swoon Melissa without him even knowing. One night at a legendary BP murder mystery party, Melissa was determined to break out of the friend zone. The only successful mystery solved that night was that Hunter and Melissa could be more than friends.

In 2020 when there was nothing to do but binge watch Tiger King, make forts, and have power hour zoom calls with your friends Hunter and Melissa decided to plan a getaway to Traverse City, MI. Melissa did most of the planning for the trip, but little did she know Hunter was using the getaway to finally pop the question he had been sitting on for 5 months. He originally booked a sunset sailboat cruise on Lake Michigan, but his plans were stepped on when thunderstorms were anticipated for that night. Hunter quickly changed his plans from the sailboat to proposing in one of the vineyards they planned to explore on the Old Mission Peninsula. Having to form his plan while the day went on with the ring almost burning a hole in his pocket, he finally decided on Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery which had a beautiful over look into the vineyards and Lake Michigan. Upon arrival Hunter scrambled to chat with the hostess to get them a spot for just a quick moment out on the overlook since it was reservation only which he did not have. During this time Melissa remained clueless making new friends in line at the wine garden. Hunter getting good news from the hostess returned to Melissa with the idea to take a picture on the overlook. Handing his phone to a random couple and telling them he was about to propose Hunter got down on one knee and asked Melissa to marry him. Next thing you know everyone on the patio is clapping and the hostess is bringing champagne out. It was absolutely perfect. They had to rewatch the video to see what was actually said, but Hunter and Melissa are months away from their wedding now so it must have been a YES!!