Karissa and Jared's love story began on Facebook's dating app, where they struck up a conversation that led to weeks of messaging. Their first in-person encounter at a local Applebee's was a mix of fun and awkwardness, largely due to Karissa's shyness. Over the course of the next two years, their relationship blossomed through shared experiences like vacations to Lake of the Ozarks and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, gaming sessions, adventurous outings, and nights out together. Jared's role as the guitarist for the band At My Worst added another layer to their bond, with Karissa faithfully attending nearly every one of his shows. It was during a performance at the Red Fish Blue Fish bar that they both realized they were deeply in love. Their relationship reached a milestone on April 20, 2024, when Jared proposed to Karissa amidst the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounded by their loved ones.