Payton and Isabella met during their first semester at Clemson University at one of the many board game nights they attended during their time in college. What started as a friendship rooted in cardboard and game pieces eventually grew to something more.

Payton and Isabella planned a short trip to New York in July of 2018, just before their sophomore year of college. On this trip, Payton took Isabella on their first official date. They enjoyed dinner with his mom at John’s Pizzeria in Times Square, then broke off to Broadway to see Jersey Boys: The Musical. They officially began dating July 26, 2018.

Payton proposed to Isabella on December 27, 2024, the first day of their weekend Napa trip for Isabella’s birthday. They spent the morning walking around the HALL Winery gardens, soaking in the views of gorgeous vines and the Maycamas Mountains framing the valley. There, in the gardens, Payton got down on one knee and asked Isabella to marry him. Elated, and filled with happy tears, Isabella said yes!