Jessie and I went to Julian Price Lake Park for what I thought a lake side picnic with snacks and conversation. We filled up the back of his truck with blankets and pillows and we were wearing warm clothes because of the cold air off the lake. We were eating snacks and talking about our previous dates there and our memories of the times we had while Jessie lived in Boone while attending Appalachian State University. Then he jumped out of the bed of the truck to get three of my Christmas presents to open early. I chose one and unwrapped it and thanked him for another book to add to my collection. He then asked me if I was hungry, which I always am, so I replied yes, of course. Then he said, well let me check what time it is. That is when Jessie opened his hand to me and he had the most beautiful rose gold ring filled with small diamonds in his hand. He said to me, "Taylor Brooke Hildebrand, would you do the honor of marrying me?" Those were the most beautiful words I have ever heard. I replied "Are you serious? YES!" Then came the tears and kisses and a long hug which resulted in him finally getting to put the ring on my finger. All the way home to get dinner, I kept saying how beautiful it was and how I couldn't wait to be Mrs. Taylor Lail and how I was already planning to tell all my family and friends. I am so blessed to have spent 4 years, 4 months and 24 days as Jessie's girlfriend. Now I am so excited to start a new chapter with Jessie as his fiancée for 308 days before I get to be his WIFE! I would appreciate all of the prayers, encouragement, advice, tips, and love sent our way! We can't wait to celebrate with you all this year and on our special wedding day.

Jessie and I met through friends on March 11th, 2016. Little did I know that on this night, I would meet the love of my life and soulmate! I was out in Hickory, NC with my friend, Carrie Babbitt (now Ward) and we met up with Jessie and his friend Seth Ward. We spoke and hit it off so well. He was so sweet and he asked me for my number so I gave it to him and social media contacts. We went on our first date to Tokyo Diner in Morganton, NC and we spent a couple hours after the dinner just talking and we had our first kiss in his red Camaro. We dated for a few months and he took me to Linville Gorge, NC on July 18th, 2016 and asked me to be his girlfriend. Of course I said YES! That place holds a special spot in my heart because it has such a beautiful view, but I always see it as our place and one of the most peaceful spots along with Julian Price Lake Park. Jessie and I have been through family vacations, dinners, holidays, college visits to GWU and ASU, trips movie nights, game nights, church services and more. We have been on dates to malls, mini golf, bowling, movies, laser tag, Top Golf, and more. We have watched shows together all the way through; one of our favorites is The Office. One of my favorite memories with Jessie is when I surprised him with Ed Sheeran concert tickets and while we were at the concert, Ed Sheeran played the song "Perfect" and the line that he sang when I was looking at you watching him play I will never forget "I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know, she shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home." Jessie, you are my home and my adventure and everything in between. I am in awe of the love we share and I cannot wait to share my home, dreams, and one day a family with you. We hope you enjoy reading a little bit about our story of how we met. I know I cannot fit over 4 years of memories, but I just want you to know how much Jessie and I love each other and we are thrilled to get married on October 16, 2021.