Taylor Walker ’19 and Tim Chesser ’19

Taylor’s Story

Class of 2019 | Accounting

We met in a seminar class (TSEM) spring semester 2016, “The War on Drugs.” He was handsome and my type.  We were business majors, but we never had any other classes together. We saw each other around campus a lot, but we didn’t date or really talk. We wouldn’t have been right for each other at that point. He says I was out of his league. Now we both have the same outlooks on life, want a family in the future and have so many common connections.

Last year he reached out over my Instagram about a story about these cookies and cream cookies I make. We probably talked for three to four hours on Instagram that night. On our first date we went back to campus to find the familiar spots we had passed each other as students. I worked in the admissions office, and we would have new students do a scavenger hunt to become familiar with the campus, so we created our own. We got a picture in front of Stephens, found the tiger statues, went to Cook Library and revisited the classroom where we met. It was crazy to see how much the campus has expanded but finding those intimate places that still look the same as when we went there was so memorable.

My grandfather passed in April (2025), and he was one of the most influential men in my life. Tim and I reconnected end of May (2025), so I felt like he brought [Tim] into my life. We mesh so well together. I tell my mom, “I always want to be around him; he is my best friend.” And then he planned that engagement that was very me, very minimalist, on the beach. One of my favorite colors is light pink, so he picked light pink roses and set it up himself because he knew I wouldn’t want something elaborate. And he had a photographer there because he knows pictures are my favorite thing, too, because that’s what you have forever. Everyone tells him it was like “The Bachelorette” on the Outer Banks. I feel seen, heard and loved, for sure. We’ve been talking about having a family. And knowing we’ve met our person, it’s like, “Why wait any longer?” We have a church wedding in June. And then we’ll have an intimate family ceremony in August.

Tim’s Story

Class of 2019 | Finance

We met each other years ago at TU when we were both freshmen. I remember that blond hair, those blue eyes looking at me from time to time. I kind of wish I shot my shot back then, but I’m also glad I didn’t because I’ve learned so much since then. I wouldn’t have wanted to ruin it with this once-in-a-lifetime kind of person.

I’m a religious person. When I saw her Instagram story [last May], I felt something come over me, like, “I have to talk to this girl.” We talked for several hours that night. And I remember thinking, “Wow, for 10 years, what was I doing?”

I say when I see a bald eagle fly overhead during a major life moment, it's God's way of telling me I am on the right path. That happened to us the first time we went to the beach.

It’s funny how things happen. I’m thankful for it every day. She’s extremely thoughtful, and she puts in so much effort, love and care in many ways. Our humor matches up. She’s my best friend. I’m excited to marry her. 

When we started hanging out, did I think we were going get engaged quickly? Nope. But then I realized, “This is my person.” I put endless effort into the proposal. I kept in contact with the photographer from a band I played piano for. Since she lives in North Carolina, I sent decorative things to her: flowers, fake candles. She and her husband brought my 100 roses. I had a musician to play our song, “Joy of My Life,” by Chris Stapleton. I perfectly timed the walk on the beach to the music to find exactly where the proposal spot should be. I remember very specific things about planning it, but the main proposal, I blacked out.

The funny part is I planned the proposal to well, but when the photographer asked, “Where do you guys want [photos]?” I had no idea. I didn’t think that far! It was the happiest day of my life. I am sure both weddings will be the next happiest days of my life. Then it will be when each new child is born. If we are blessed with sons, though, I’ll tell them, “Make sure to shoot your shot.”