The Beginning
On September 15th 2019 Isabelle began Air Force ROTC at the University of St. Thomas. Detachment 410 hosts a welcome luncheon for incoming cadets to showcase what the Det has to offer. At this luncheon the Det clubs set up tables and new cadets are encouraged to learn about each one. Samuel was in charge of the Black Knights table. As an eager freshman Isabelle’s checked out each table but was distracted by the extremely good-looking upperclassman. This, however, was not one way. Later that day Sam called his mom to tell her about a really pretty freshman with beautiful blue eyes that stopped at his table but could not date because she was younger (that was me)! Not knowing the military guidelines, Isabelle sought out Kaitlyns opinion on DMing the infamous Cadet Rick. From there, the two spent a few days exchanging surface level messages until a fellow upperclassman caught wind of the situation and told Sam it was unprofessional. This word would haunt Isabelle for the next 2 years.
Isabelles Secret Obsession
Freshman and sophomore year passed and Kaitlyn would not go a day without hearing or seeing something about Cadet Rick this or Cadet Rick that. All of Isabelles close friends and family would also come to learn and know Cadet Rick by name. Whether this was from the secret videos Isabelle would take of Sam at the gym, running around the track, in the dining hall, or in ROTC training, everyone except Sam knew Isabelle had a huge crush on him. Kaitlyn also became a secret agent, sending Isabelle videos and pictures of Sam around campus; all without Sam knowing a thing (for real)!
Samuels Move
In May of 2021 Sam was commissioning and heading to Italy to serve 3 years as an Air Force Maintenace officer. This did not stop him from sending Isabelle one more DM. Finals were over so he asked Isabelle to go for a walk along the Mississippi River. Absolutely shocked by the DM from Cadet Rick Isabelle did not sleep a minute; Amaya and Ellie Brennan can attest to it. The 2 yearlong fantasy crush was becoming a reality. From May until November, when Sam left for Italy, they spent time getting to know each other, their values, morals, faith and life stories; without a single worry about what 3 years of international long distance would be like...because it just felt right.
The Proposal
Fast forward to August 2023; 2 trips to Italy, and a few trips to Texas (for Sams tech school), Sam pops the question and Isabelle has a 2-carat diamond ring.
At the beginning of August Sam was home to spend a week of quality time with Isabelle, his family and her family. A family lake day, on August 7th, had been in the books the entire visit so when the day rolled around Isabelle, Sam, Noelle, Emma, and Elsa took the boat out to go for a ride and swim. Paying homage to Isabelle and Sams first date, Sam joked about how Isabelle should come make sure he tied the anchor off correctly (in attempt to get Isabelle to the front of the boat). Proving to be in a difficult mood, Isabelle did not want to budge, but Noelle eventually got her to go be a good girlfriend. Once the anchor was tied down Emma chimed in saying, awh you two look so cute up there, let me take a picture! Again, Isabelle was being difficult and made the photoshoot a challenge. BUT, after the picture was taken and Isabelle began to walk away, Sam pulled her back and popped the question.
They proceeded to celebrate and then boat back to Sams house where all of Isabelles closest friends had flown in from around the country to surprise her.
The Rest Is History
As Isabelle and Samuel begin their dual military life together, they are incredibly grateful for all the blessings and prayers bestowed upon their relationship; especially that from their family and close friends and look forward to celebrating come August 31st 2024!