Jeremy Williamson

The scholarships were awarded to Rachelle Marie Minick of St. Cloud State University, Jeremy Williamson of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Maurice Stanley, who attends Dowling College.

HARRISBURG-RALEIGH AIRPORT - Love was definitely in the air over Gallatin County and, in this case, on the ground as well for Jill Porter and Jeremy Williamson.
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While about 30 to 40 family members and close friends gathered on the lawn of Porter's parents near Equality late Friday afternoon, the couple flew overhead in a small Cessna plane piloted by Williamson, a student in the aviation program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. On the ground, surrounded by dozens of waving and cheering people, were 10-foot tall letters spelling out the words "Will You Marry Me?""I looked down and saw everybody and looked over to him.He said 'Well. will you?' I said yes!"Porter said, explaining she yelled her answer to Williamson, partly from surprise, and partly because the microphone on her headset frequently doesn't work.Williamson said Porter was genuinely surprised.
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"She had a big gasp, and opened her mouth," said Williamson."She was fooled, she thought we were going to Moonlight Barbecue (in Owensboro, Ky.)"Shortly after giving her answer, Porter said Williamson handed her the diamond engagement ring the pair had picked out together weeks before -- except it wasn't in the traditional little black ring box from the jewelers that she was expecting."It was in a plastic bag," she laughed.Williamson quickly defended himself, explaining the bag, supplied by the jewelers, served a very important purpose."I didn't want it to fall out," he said.Prior to the big day, Williamson said he wasn't concerned in the least bit that Porter would say no to his proposal.He said they shopped for the ring together weeks before, and she had been asking him when she would get it."She won't say no," he said."There's no pressure really because she wants that ring so bad."He even went as far as to drop a few hints to her.
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Williamson initially was concerned that recent poor weather would put a damper on his plans.However, with clear skies and slightly warm temperatures, Williamson said he couldn't ask for a better day for the proposal.He also said he couldn't have pulled it off without the help of Porter's parents, Jim and Linda, who helped arrange everything.Williamson still had a few more surprises up his sleeve before the day was done.Following the gathering at the airport, the couple flew off into the sunset, heading to DeSoto for a surprise dinner at Tom's Place. Williamson said all was planned with the intention of making the day as special as possible for his bride-to-be."Just something that would be big and that she'll always remember," Williamson said."Since I am a pilot it seems it would be natural to do something in that manner."The couple has not yet set a wedding date, but Williamson said it will be sometime next January.

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Jeremy Williamson, an aviation student at SIUC, used a unique sign in his front yard to propose to his girlfriend Jil Porter.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

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When Jeremy Williamson, an aviation student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, decided to pop the question he knew he wanted to do more than just ask his girlfriend Jil Porter to marry him.

The scholarships were awarded to Rachelle Marie Minick of St. Cloud State University, Jeremy Williamson of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Maurice Stanley, who attends Dowling College.