They say there’s always two sides to a story.. well you’re getting the one who took the time to write this, the one who got the ball rolling, yours truly, Hailey. If you want his story you will have to call him! He rarely answers to a text message.

We’ve known of each other since high school. Of course Tyler was the cool kid who everyone loved and I was the quiet kid who was perfectly content being in the background.

Fast forward to when I was in PT school at UMMC and Tyler was back in Madison after graduating from MSU. We both conveniently went to watch a band play at Georgia Blue. I went to watch my best friend Carrie’s husband Conner Ball and Tyler went to watch Josh Hardin. I must note that I did catch Tyler out of the corner of my eye but tried to play it cool and not stare because what can I say he’s a handsome fella. Shortly after that Tyler decided to follow me back on Instagram. I’m sure I played it cool and gave him a follow back much later to act like I wasn’t excited about it. At the end of the day nothing came from an Instagram follow unfortunately.

Fast forward to a couple months to a year later. I was on Snapchat and had a quick add that just so happened to be Tyler Shell. Of course I contemplated adding him. We had never talked in person and what would he think when he saw it? Finally decided to get the nerves to add him. And what do you know he decided to add me back. Not only that, I got a message from him?! “Alabama all star” I must say I was not expecting that, but I wasn’t mad about him sending me a message!

Months go by.. and by months I mean probably a year of randomly talking here and there. Nothing coming from it. I knew I wanted to go on a date and clearly this man was in no rush to ask me on one. I thought of every possible scenario on how to do this. I did not date in college or really high school, and I’m the girl, how is this supposed to work? Finally I thought about the Mississippi Braves game that happened to be in town. He likes sports. I like sports. At worst if it ends terrible at least I got to watch a game (hopefully a free one if he pays) :)

I finally got the nerve to ask and he agreed to it. He also agreed to pick me up! What a gentleman. What’s the first thing he says when he comes to my front door? “What’s up Alabama all star!” If you ask him about how that date went he will tell you I never shut up. He says he didn’t get a word from my house in Madison to the water works curve. I don’t believe that’s true but I also believe I probably blacked out because I was so nervous. I can honestly say I don’t remember any part of the baseball game. Did the Braves win? I truly don’t know. All I know was that whatever connection we had, I wanted more of it.

If you were to ask any of my closest friends/family they’d tell you I am not into physical touch. In fact I told Tyler this on our third date. Pretty sure I RUINED my chances because that is one of his top love languages. Left that date thinking it was over. And actually it kind of was for a little bit. He became distant. A real boys boy and nothing tying him down like a silly relationship. Well let me tell you what. I am persistent when I want something. I’ve learned through the years how to get what I want. I stuck with it with TShell. I wasn’t letting him get away that easily! Had to put my foot down. Let him know I was in this for real and that if he wasn’t wanting to pursue, then kick it to the curb sir. Slowly over the years Tyler changed (sorry boys). But so did I.

We’ve been through a lot in 2+ years. Job changes, family passing, car accidents. But the one thing that’s stayed consistent is our love for each other. We’ve learned a lot about our needs and how to work together as a team. Somehow after enough begging (literally on the way down to the beach where he proposed) he finally decided it was time and I’ve thanked God ever since. We are so thankful for each and every person that has been apart of our lives and our journey together. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! March 1, 2025, you cannot come fast enough!!

Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Madison

Courtyard Jackson Madison