Ariana Kristine Cape (née Balka) (born February 6, 1998) is the second child and first daughter of Michael Balka and the late Kristy Balka.
She is the sister of Kelton Balka, Grant Balka, Carson Balka, and Kierstin Balka.
She is the wife of Joel Cape and the mother of their child, Trip. She will be the mother of Baby Girl Cape.
Early life[]
Ariana Kristine Balka was born on February 6, 1998, to Michael Balka and Kristy Balka. She was the couple's second child, and they went on to have three more children after her, which resulted in her mother dying while giving birth to her final child, Kierstin, on April 14, 2009. After her mother's death, the family moved from their home in South Carolina to Tennessee.
Along with her siblings, Ariana was homeschooled growing up. Her father taught Bible, History, and P.E., and her mother taught all the other subjects. After her mother passed away, her father assumed responsibility for homeschooling the kids in all subjects. The family used the homeschool umbrella school at Temple Baptist Academy, in Powell, Tennessee, to report their grades. Growing up, Ariana was an active participant in Bible Quiz competitions.
Personal life[]
Relationship with Joel[]
During her Christmas break from college, in December 2018, Joel's family got up to sing during a church service at her church. She noticed Joel onstage and thought that he was especially good-looking and that he was either engaged or married. A lady in the church had walked up to her and said that she wanted to introduce her to Joel. The lady introduced them a week later. They later began a long-distance relationship.
Engagement[]
On November 11, 2019, Ariana got engaged to Joel Cape in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Marriage[]
On May 23, 2022, Ariana married Joel Lee Cape, Jr. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Ariana's maid of honor was her friend Emma Bond. Her bridesmaids were her sister Kierstin and Joel's sisters Julia and Lydia. The flower girl was Ariana's cousin Elizabeth Dotson. Joel's best man was his cousin Andrew Cape. His groomsmen were Ariana's brothers Grant and Carson and his friend Tyler Williamson. The ring bearer was Joel's cousin Cody Owens.
Motherhood[]
The couple has 1 child. They are expecting their second child.
Their first child, son Trip, was born on August 20, 2022.
Their second child, a daughter, is due on October 18, 2024.
Career[]
Education[]
Ariana finished second in the nation in academic testing for New Testament Bible knowledge at the American Association of Christian Schools Competition her Junior year in high school.
Ariana graduated from Pensacola Christian College on May 8, 2020. She majored in Elementary Education. She was elected class secretary her Freshman and Sophomore years.
Teacher[]
Ariana works at Temple Baptist Academy in Powell, Tennessee.
Television[]
Ariana appeared on the UpTV show Bringing Up Bates as the sister-in-law of Josie Bates.
Wedding involvement[]
Ariana was a bridesmaid at her brother Kelton's wedding to Josie Bates on October 5, 2018.
She was a bridesmaid at her brother Grant's wedding to Maddie Ragle on May 21, 2022.