We were both enrolled in Kankakee Community College as CNA students in the Fall of 2019. Given that it was an evening class, it ended earlier than the course had been scheduled for. We would often leave class on those early days and find ourselves sitting in the parking lot, HOURS after the class would have technically ended, just laughing and talking about everything and anything. Brianne had wanted to wait to have a relationship until she had been sober for at least one year. Isaiah was aware of this, and even after learning that there were only a few months of sobriety under her belt, Isaiah continued to patiently wait and be her biggest cheerleader. Of course, less than a year went by, and it was undeniable that there was a lot of love and deep connection with one another and so the relationship finally became official. Over the years we both experienced big life changes, career changes, and so much more, but regardless of all the changes we never gave up on one another and continued to grow together.

While not EVERYONE loves snow, Brianne definitely does! In fact, every time it would snow she would immediately call Isaiah (even if he was at work) to inform him that it was snowing. While Isaiah is one of those that does not like the snow (or the cold), he always knew to expect the call and to know that the next thing was almost always, “let’s take the dogs for a walk!” Knowing how much Brianne loves letting the dogs run off lead, especially in the snow, Isaiah always put a smile on his face and would brave the cold for her. November 26th (which also happens to be the day before Isaiah’s birthday), Isaiah woke up and noticed it had snowed. He called for Brianne to come look out the window so they could, as always, look at the snow! As tradition would have it, Apollo and Mercury were loaded up and off to the Kankakee State Park! Brianne was told of a bridge that her sister had taken pictures at and so on this walk Brianne was determined to find said bridge. After lots of walking, and Isaiah almost being knocked over by excited dogs, they found the bridge! A photo was taken of the bridge by Brianne as she “needed” to show her sister that she found the bridge! When the picture was sent Isaiah then was on one knee (yes, in the snow!) and asked Brianne to be his wife. Obviously, the answer was yes!