Chelsea and Cole DeBoer Recount Their Sweet and Hilarious Meet-Cute

Before they were tapped for their new HGTV series Down Home Fab, Chelsea and Cole were just two strangers at a gas station.

January 17, 2023

Before their big family, before a farm full of animals and before they were tapped for their new HGTV series Down Home Fab, Chelsea DeBoer (née Houska) of Teen Mom 2 and Cole DeBoer were just two strangers at a gas station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It might not be the typical setting for a “meet-cute” — a.k.a. an adorable story about the moment two lovers meet — but for the design guru and the builder, there’s no spot more nostalgic than the one next to the gas pump.

“I was getting gas one day and [Chelsea] came pulling up and got gas at the pump next to me, and we just kept staring back and forth the whole time,” Cole tells HGTV. “I remember being like, ‘Wow, she’s really cute.’”

They parted ways from the gas station — their wordless exchange didn't go further than stealing a few looks at one another. That's when the magic happened. The pair lived in the same direction, they realized, as they drove the entire way home side-by-side on the highway.

“We kept passing each other,” says Cole. “I’d drive by and peek [over] and then she’d drive by and look.”

Chelsea says, “I went home and my friend was there and I was like, ‘Oh my god. I just saw the cutest guy at the gas station. For the days following, I would talk about ‘the gas station guy.’”

A few days later, Cole found Chelsea on Facebook and reached out. “I was freaking out because the gas station guy messaged me!” laughs Chelsea.

“I was the gas station guy,” says Cole. “And now we have four children and we’re doing this.”

Catch more of Chelsea and Cole, their fun family and their edgy-glam style on Down Home Fab — premiering on HGTV January 16 at 9|8c. You can follow Chelsea and Cole on Instagram at @chelseahouska and @coledeboer.

Next Up

Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein Return to HGTV in New Series — And They Need Your Help

The duo from the iconic Instagram account @cheapoldhouses are coming back to HGTV, and they want fans to vote for the title of their new series

Everything You Need to Know About HGTV's New Follow-Doc Series With Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa

The Flipping El Moussas will premiere on HGTV Thursday, March 2 at 8|7c. Here's what to expect.

You Can Live in HGTV's 'Very Brady' House — for $5.5 Million

The iconic Brady Bunch house, from HGTV's A Very Brady Renovation special, is for sale. Here's everything we know.

Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel Announce Their Engagement

After four years together, Jonathan and Zooey are engaged! Here’s everything we know.

10 of David Bromstad's Most Notable Tattoos

The designer is seriously inked. Learn the meaning behind some of his biggest and brightest pieces.

Get to Know 'Flip to a Million' Co-Hosts Jon and Danielle

Upcoming home flipping series, Flip to a Million, stars husband-and-wife duo Jon and Dani Wrobel. Here's what you need to know about the Wrobels.

Nate and Jeremiah's Zodiac Signs Are *Not* What You'd Expect

They’re proof that opposites really do attract.

Ben Napier Has a Secret Talent on the Set of ‘Home Town’

The Home Town co-host is as much a jokester as he is a woodworker.

Property Brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott Update HGTV on Life Changes

Family comes first for longtime HGTV hosts, the Scott brothers, who open up to HGTV about their new season of Brother vs. Brother and their busy lives.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated Southwestern home in Santa Fe, New Mexico

HGTV Dream Home

A modern mountain getaway in Morrison, Colorado

HGTV Urban Oasis

A Southern-inspired escape in Louisville, Kentucky