It all started back in 2014. Rosie was a journalism student in Salt Lake City, flipping through local TV channels, when she landed on a newscast that stopped her in her tracks.

There was Jason, confidently reporting the news on KTVX. Her immediate reaction, “Who IS this guy?! He’s not even from here!”

You see, Rosie had always dreamed of becoming the first Vietnamese American TV news reporter in Utah … and suddenly, it felt like someone had beaten her to it, ripping that dream away from her.

A couple of months later, Rosie found herself knee-deep in logistics for the upcoming Miss Asia Utah pageant.  The show was taking place during the Utah Asian Festival with hundreds expected in attendance. Their CEO, Agnes Higley, wanted Jason to co-emcee the show with Rosie.

Let’s just say Rosie wasn’t exactly thrilled. Still, she sent the email, clearly spelling out that it was an unpaid gig.  To her surprise, Jason didn’t hesitate … saying yes right away (Let’s be honest. What young, single guy, in a new city would say no to a stage full of beautiful, talented women?)

When Jason showed up to dress rehearsal, Rosie was gobsmacked. She found him incredibly charming and handsome. But she had to lock those feelings away – She was in a long-term relationship at the time and resisting temptation was the name of the game.

Still, their on-stage chemistry? Unmistakable. Even Rosie’s sister, Michelle noticed something was suspicious. After the pageant was over, Rosie couldn’t stop thinking about Jason. Deep down, she knew it was time to end her six-year relationship.

Soon after, Rosie and Jason started dating. It was short lived and … okay, Jason kind of blew it. Once graduation came knocking, Rosie planned to leave Utah after getting her Master’s degree.  Jason delivered the hard truth in his usual blunt style, “I don’t do long-distance relationships. You’re going to need to move around as you work your way through the industry and you never know, we could link back up.”

They went their separate ways and Rosie thought she would never see him again.

Wrong.

Rosie moved to Oregon in 2016 for her first job as a weekend anchor and reporter at KEZI in Eugene. Eight months later, guess who moved just two hours away to Portland for a new reporting gig? Yep, Jason.

He claims it was coincidence. Rosie’s not so sure.

Jason reached out to reconnect.  But by then, Rosie was dating someone new. Let’s just say, that didn’t last long either.  But in true fashion, Jason had another curve ball coming. His contract ended early and this time he was on the move to the Midwest.  Once again, Rosie thought it was over.

Yet, something had changed.

They kept talking, texting, and FaceTiming every day. When Jason’s birthday rolled around in 2017, Rosie booked a trip to Chicago to see him. That visit changed everything. Jason started to really fall for her.

In early 2018, Rosie landed a reporting job at KTVX (the same station that Jason had worked for) that allowed her to move back home to Utah.

Jason, now in that state that looks like a mitten, called Rosie and said, “I think it’s time I start investing in love instead of chasing my career.”

He moved back to Salt Lake City to be with her, and this time, they stayed together.

Funny enough, they also happen to share the same last name. But what really bonds them together is a shared love of storytelling, spontaneous outdoor adventures, and of course, dogs!

Rosie loves the way Jason fearlessly approaches and protects people he cares about and believes in. He’s got a tough exterior, but with her, he’s a complete softie – playful, nurturing, and unwavering in his support (even when she makes decisions that leave him scratching his head).

And Jason? He loves how big Rosie’s heart is.  Rosie shows up for others on their special days or when they need it the most, even when it’s hard on her. He loves her drive, humor, and that she’s usually the first to call out injustice. She challenges him to grow and somehow make the impossible seem within reach.

In a full-circle moment, Jason popped the big question last August in Austin, TX, while they were emceeing the Asian American Journalist Association Awards and Scholarships Gala … in front of 750 of their journalist peers! Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret from reporters? Well, Jason did it. It was shockingly bold, beautiful, and totally them.

Seven years, two dogs, four cities, and a whole lot of lively twists and turns later, they’re finally going to tie the knot on March 6, 2026.