Shay and William met the summer of 2016, going into their senior year of high school at the University of Toledo at a leadership conference. Shaylee spotted William early in the evening as his blue eyes and charming looks caught her attention; however, it wasn't until later that William introduced himself. The two went on to converse well into the night. Shaylee was instantly drawn to his genuine personality while William found her passion and excitement for life appealing. They spent one whole week together asking each other multiple questions ranging from interest to religion. The two connected very deeply, however the week eventually came to an end and the two had to say their goodbyes. Little did the couple know, their one week spent together would turn into a lifetime of happiness. Shaylee and William continued to communicate through their senior year of high school and made their relationship official. Driving three hours to go watch a Friday night football game or driving all that way to go to church together on a Sunday became the normal.

William had gone on a military convoy in April 2019. During this time, he realized how much he missed Shay and thought "Man, I really love her... I should marry her". So he came back and and started preparing. With his families and friends help, he created the most memorable proposal. Shaylee had no idea it was coming. During the month of preparation she would ask questions about what or why William was doing something, however Will always had a clever response and Shaylee easily went along with, oblivious to it all. The month of May finally arrived and William was getting ready to head out to annual training. The couple decided to get all dressed up and go on a nice date before he had to leave for two weeks. As the night came to an end the two started to head home when William looked at Shay and ask her one simple question... "Do you trust me?" Shaylee responded, "with my whole heart". William preceding to having her tie a blindfold around her eyes, so she did. Shay just thought this was all apart of their special date. When they got to their final destination, Will lead Shay out of the car into a heart of rose petals surrounded with candles. He got down on one knee and told her to remove the blind fold. The first thing Shay saw was a 50 foot sign hanging in the sky saying, "Shay will you marry me?" She turned around with such excitement and instantly said YES! William's family along with some of Shay's and Will's closest friends were there to capture it all. A dream come true, or as Shaylee puts it, the best day of her life.