Michelle Young's love story with Jack Leius has been a captivating tale. After a year of dating, Jack popped the question during a surprise proposal in Minnesota on Oct. 24, 2024. Michelle, who starred as The Bachelorette in season 18, was initially drawn to how much her fiancé "cares about people." She noted that when asked about trustworthy, genuine, and considerate individuals, Jack was the first to come to mind.

The Love Story that Transcended Expectations

He's from Minnesota - A Local Connection

Michelle Young and her new fiancé Jack Leius share a local connection. According to his Minnesota State University Athletics bio, Jack was born and raised in Plymouth, Minn. His parents, Marilyn Dicharia and Scott Leius, have a baseball background. Michelle revealed on The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast that their paths crossed multiple times before they met, referring to the "invisible string theory." They grew up fishing and playing on the same lake and even unknowingly crossed paths at one of Jack's football games when Michelle was a teacher.

This local connection adds a special touch to their relationship, showing that they were meant to be together.

Michelle and Jack Met through a Mutual Friend - A Chance Encounter

Jack and Michelle's meeting was a chance encounter through a mutual friend. On The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast, they revealed that the friend posted Michelle on his Instagram Stories, and Jack asked to be introduced. Two days later, Michelle asked the same friend about eligible single guys and was introduced to Jack. After they met, they spent nearly every moment of the next four days together and quickly decided to be exclusive.

This mutual friend played a crucial role in bringing them together, setting the stage for their beautiful relationship.

They Started Dating in October 2023 - A Private Beginning

Jack and Michelle dated in private for a while before announcing their relationship on Instagram on Oct. 27, 2023. Michelle posted two photos of them dressed up together with the caption "Hit the Jackpot with you." Their first public appearance was at the Golden Bachelor alums Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist's wedding in January 2024. During that time, they shared their first brush with publicity, with Michelle asking Jack about things she didn't know about him.

This private dating phase allowed them to get to know each other on a deeper level before sharing their love with the world.

He Pulled off a Surprise Proposal - A Moment to Remember

On Oct. 24, 2024, Michelle arrived at Centennial Lakes in Edina, Minn., thinking she was going to film a commercial. But instead, she was greeted by Jack standing amongst an arch of white roses. She was fooled and initially thought it was a joke, but when she realized it was real, there were happy tears and a resounding "YES!"

This surprise proposal was a moment that Michelle will never forget, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

He's a VP of an Athletics Company - A Successful Career

According to his LinkedIn profile, Jack studied business and marketing at the University of Minnesota and graduated with his master's degree in sports management from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2021. He is currently the vice president of sales for Covert Edge Athletics.

Jack's successful career shows his dedication and hard work, and it is another aspect that Michelle admires about him.

Michelle Has Said Jack "Calms Her Nervous System" - A Deep Connection

During their post-engagement interview with PEOPLE, Michelle talked about the first time she realized she was in love with Jack. She mentioned that she got choked up while telling her family how Jack calms her nervous system. At the Golden Wedding, she also emphasized how much her parents love Jack.

This deep connection between them is evident in how Jack has a calming effect on Michelle and how their families have embraced their relationship.

They Love to Cheer on the Minnesota Vikings Together - A Shared Passion

Michelle and Jack are both big fans of the Minnesota Vikings. Michelle first scrolled through Jack's profile at a team practice event. They regularly post photos and videos on Instagram of them attending games together. Their love for the Vikings is a shared passion that brings them closer.

Cheering on the Vikings together is a fun and exciting activity for them, and it adds another dimension to their relationship.