Early days:

Isabella and Evan met in August 2013 when they were in 7th grade. They were both in ASB, shared multiple classes together, and spent lots of time with each other in P.E. which quickly led to them becoming close friends.

Throughout middle school they were in the same friend group so they would get the chance to hang out outside of school with friends at the movies, the park, pool parties, roller skating and other adventures. They went on a couple Disneyland trips with their group and spent years together as best friends.

This obviously led to their friends teasing them over the years about liking each other and both of them refusing to admit anything. It wasn't until Halloween of Freshmen year when Isabella asked him if he ever did like her and Evan decided to express his feelings, saying "I will always feel something for you" to which Isabella replied "But you're so annoying" HAHA Young love.. She was scared that Evan was joking and worried it was too good to be true but shared her feelings after realizing he was serious.

Dating years:

A few months later, on December 2nd, 2015 Evan asked Isabella to be his girlfriend and they have been together ever since!! From that day on, they have always looked towards marriage and have been waiting for this day since they were 14!

As high school sweethearts they spent homecomings, black light dances, jr. prom, and three anniversaries together. They supported each other through sports and performances and graduated high school together in 2019!

After high school, Evan quickly got a job and began community college classes while Isabella served as president of Rainbow. As high school graduates they enjoyed going to the beach, spending time with family and going on double dates with their best friends. During covid, they both went to community college online and began going to church together regularly. They joined a life group which greatly impacted their dating relationship and helped to prepare them for what came next!

Long Distance:

It was during this time that Evan moved to Tennessee with his family shortly after they celebrated 5 years together. They spent three years dating long distance during which Isabella went to the School of Ministry and started working at their church and Evan pursued his Bachelors degree at UTC. They had a blast traveling and exploring Tennessee and going on adventures during their visits but would spend up to 5 months apart.

While this was extremely challenging at times, long distance made the time they did share so much sweeter. This chapter strengthened their love for each other and led to many of their favorite memories. They promised to use their time apart to further their individual relationships with Jesus and work towards their future marriage.

Proposal story:

Fast forward to December 2023! Just after celebrating 8 years together, Evan and Isabella's families flew out to Tennessee to celebrate Evan's graduation from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. Little did Isabella know, there was another plan in the works. Evan had arranged for her sister to surprise her from the Navy! This was just the first surprise to come.

The day before his graduation, both families were going to have a picnic at Harrison Bay (which was not on the schedule for the week so Isabella started to get suspicious). While Isabella was in the bathroom curling her hair, everyone snuck out of the house to get into position at the bay. This led to a hilarious car ride where Evan tried his best to not give away what was to come. It wasn't until Isabella unzipped Evan's coat and realized he had changed from a casual hoodie into a button up shirt that she realized what was about to happen. The two wiped away their tears and made their way to the bay realizing the moment they both had dreamed of was really about to happen. Evan opened her door asking if she was ready and they walked through the forest as he began to tell her how much she meant to him and how deeply he loves her. When they arrived at the cliff which overlooked the lake, Evan told her how much he wanted to be a godly husband for her and that he's been praying Jesus would lead them. He got down on one knee and promised to love and take care of her forever and then he asked her to marry him! She of course said yes emphatically and cried her eyes out.

After putting on her ring, he pointed to the lake and there at the bottom of the cliff were both of their families cheering for them as they finally entered the next chapter of their story. No longer boyfriend and girlfriend, they went back to the Gibson house as fiancés for Evan's graduation party which really was a surprise engagement party!! It was the best day ever and could not have been more special. After Evan had graduated, the two said goodbye for the last time knowing their future was waiting for them.

2024:

About a month later, Evan drove back to California and him and Isabella were finally reunited! They have spent the past few months getting to know each other all over again, eating lots of In-N-Out, doing premarital counseling, going to the gym, and wedding planning! It's been crazy and full of change but the two are committed to pursuing God as they prepare for the marriage they have been waiting for! They could not be more excited to celebrate their wedding on July 22, 2024!