I met Isaac my very first day of graduate school. I thought he was very handsome, so I tried to get his attention by stirring up conversation about his home state. After embarrassingly asking him how mountainous North Dakota was, he proceeded to spill coffee all over my white shirt. Despite our interesting first encounter, we began hanging out a lot to study for exams. Before I knew it, we started making excuses to spend time with each other when we had nothing to study for. He asked me to be his girlfriend after a few months of friendship, to which I replied "No." We continued as close friends for while when he asked me out for a second time. I said "No." Isaac doesn't give up so easily. After taking me on the best date I've ever had and asking me to date him for the third time, I finally agreed. I am very happy that Isaac is so stubborn, otherwise I would have missed out on dating an intelligent, kind, funny, and wonderful man. Dating him has been an incredibly happy time, so when he proposed it was an obvious "Yes!"

Day 1 (Aug. 17, 2015): Since Sam and I interviewed for graduate school at different times we didn't actually meet until our first day of graduate school. We introduced ourselves and it was immediately apparent how intelligent, kind, and funny she is. I on the other hand was a klutz and accidentally spilled a full cup of hot black coffee all over her white shirt before the day was over. She eventually forgave me for this and while maybe not the ideal first impression it was (like the coffee) a strong one. Dating: As we became more acquainted we realized we had several common interests. When I first asked her to date me she said no. We continued a close friendship and I eventually asked her again to which she said no. Finally, on the third time I asked her she agreed to date me. While I was extremely happy when she agreed, I've been happier everyday thereafter. Proposal (Nov. 22, 2017): When I was finally ready to propose I planned a date night in our apartment. After dinner I gave her a gift bag with one of her white shirts and some coffee grounds inside. While she was distracted opening the "gift" I got down and when she turned back around I proposed. Following a brief bit of astonishment she agreed. Present: Sam continues to be the intelligent, kind, and funny individual that I met on my first day of graduate school. I'm so happy to be marrying her and we are excited that you all will be joining us on our wedding day. We'll see you on October 26, 2019!