Jaylon and I both attended Chilton County High School, where I was dedicated to softball and cheerleading, while he devoted his time to baseball. During my sophomore year, we began a Snapchat streak that has now surpassed 2000 days. I was thrilled that Jaylon Gilley was messaging me and was overjoyed when he attended my softball games. Throughout his senior year of high school, I came up with all of his Instagram captions and enjoyed cheering him on at all his baseball games.

The summer before my junior year of high school, we would stay up late, FaceTiming and talking about everything under the sun. At that time, Jaylon worked for Petty Line Construction. I quickly began to fall for this incredible, Christ-fearing, and dedicated boy who had turned his life around. Jaylon is one of the hardest workers I know and has always been a dedicated blue-collar man:)

In February 2019, Jaylon sent me his phone number, and from that moment, we talked every single day. He began attending church with me, showing up to all my games, and ensuring that every weekend he was home from work, he spent with me. I had never experienced such gentlemanly treatment as I did with Jaylon.

At the beginning of my junior year, I truly started falling for Jaylon. Funny enough, I gave him percentages because he would have asked me out at the start of August, but I wasn't ready yet. Having never been in a long-term relationship, I longed for something permanent. My parents always told me that we date to marry, and I knew I wanted to marry this boy. Jaylon made sure to attend every single one of my football games where I cheered and basketball games as well.

He never missed anything unless he was out of town during the week. We started hanging out in public by going to Halloween parties, rolling around town, and even going to church together. I was head over heels. I had never had a boy ask me out on a serious date, but Jaylon did on November 9, 2019. He picked me up from Bella and Nathan’s house, took me to our favorite restaurant, Longhorns, and then to the movies. We quickly realized movies weren't our thing because we talked the entire time. Jaylon did everything my dad always said a boy should do - opening doors for me, paying for my meals, and taking me shopping to my favorite places. After that date, I knew I could see myself dating Jaylon. However, I was not quick to jump into a relationship and wanted to make sure it would last. So, we went on multiple dates pretty much every weekend.

Fast forward to November 27, 2019, which is now our anniversary. Jaylon had the day planned out perfectly. We went to Cowfish Grill for dinner and then went ice-skating at Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. After ice-skating and having so much fun, we got back to the truck, and Jaylon finally asked me to be his girlfriend. From that day forward, life with each other has been nothing short of exciting, fun, joyful, and full of so many blessings!

From then on, we dated 4 and half years! We dated throughout my junior and senior years of high school and even tackled the challenges of freshman, sophomore, and junior years of college. Long distance is not for the weak, but we made it work and ensured we spent intentional time together. I wouldn't trade my time in Troy for anything, but I missed Jaylon so much while I was away.

Towards the end of my junior year of college, Jaylon and I started having serious conversations about marriage and envisioning ourselves as husband and wife. We knew we wanted to get married soon after I finished college, but I wasn't sure when he would propose. After my sister played in the World Series in June, we returned home and spent a few days there. Then, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, he proposed. That day was absolutely perfect, and I was completely surprised by the "family pictures" we were supposedly taking. I'm forever grateful for Jaylon Gilley and our sweet love story. One constant has been our love for each other and our commitment to keeping the Lord at the center of our relationship. Four and a half years later, and WE ARE FINALLY GETTING MARRIED!

June 13, 2025, cannot get here fast enough! See you at the altar Jaylon Gilley!

Registry