We both grew up in Augusta, Georgia but somehow didn't cross paths until Jillian's senior year and Will's victory lap year at GCSU in little ole' Milledgeville, Georgia. Although GCSU is a very small school and both Jillian and Will were involved in Greek life, they did not hang out in the same crowds. They happened to be in the same Business Finance class and sat next to each other. They then began studying together in the library. Will's studying consisted of showing up late (because he is rarely on time) and playing Jillian lots of Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. Thankfully we both successfully passed the class. After the class Will and Jillian would randomly see each other out in town but that was all. A couple of years later Will and Jillian were both back living in Augusta and ran into each other during Master's week. At this time Jillian actually tried convincing her best friend and now Maid of Honor, Emily, to try to hangout with Will at the bar because of how nice of a guy she remembered he was. Thankfully this was unsuccessful and I don't even think Will caught on to what we were trying to do. About 2 years later Will and Jillian ran into each other again one night out and the rest is history. We have been inseparable since and cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

Will's family owns a piece of property, called Stufield, where Jillian and Will have spent countless weekends. Stufield has always been a special part of their relationship and Will knew it would be the perfect place to propose. Friday night Jillian and Will arrived to Stufield after work. Looking back, Jillian did think Will was being extra nice but didn’t think much of it. Since Jillian was trying to leave by the afternoon on Saturday, Will agreed to getting up early and having breakfast at the house before going on a hike. Jillian appreciated the idea, but it seemed odd because Will NEVER LIKES WAKING UP EARLY. Saturday morning, they woke up, had breakfast and mimosas at the house, then headed out on a hike. Before leaving the house Jillian remembers telling Will he had pepper stuck in between his teeth from the grits they had eaten during breakfast. A warm front was passing through town, and it ended up being very warm and muggy outside. Will wore a flannel shirt and a jacket which Jillian thought was odd considering how hot it was outside. Little did she know the jacket was to hide the ring in his pocket. The hike led them into the woods at which point Will randomly turned around and starting hugging Jillian and telling her how much he loved her. In the moment, Jillian interrupted him and told him he still had pepper in between his teeth. He started laughing while also acting very nervous. He then popped the question and Jillian said YES! Thankfully the pepper in his teeth lightened the mood, calmed Will’s nerves some and still makes them both laugh. They then continued the hike and Will had setup a beautifully decorated little table with a poinsettia and champagne to celebrate. Will had also setup for both of their parents to surprise and continue the celebration with more champagne. The day was perfect and exactly what Jillian would have ever wanted!