#IShannanYou: The Associate Love Story That Has Netflix Viewers Swooning

It's a classic love story: Boy meets girl, falls madly in love and proposes to her in front of millions on one of 2018's most popular Netflix shows.

Okay, so that's probably not how it happens for most of us. But, for William and Shannan Mahnken, it's all part of their real-life love story that started five years ago after they met at a Walmart assistant store manager training session in Woodstock, Georgia.

The Netflix reality show reboot, 'Queer Eye,' has taken pop culture by storm. The show's 'Fab Five' - Jonathan, Karamo, Tan, Antoni and Bobby - have won over viewers' hearts across America by taking the show beyond its basic premise and diving into conversations about identity and self-confidence that inspire viewers and participants alike.

Before Shannan submitted William to be one of the makeover contestants on the show's second season, the grocery department manager was a shy aspiring actor and screenwriter who named '90s sitcom character Frasier Crane as his style icon. In his own words, 'I was hiding behind my beard and all that hair.'

It's not always easy to embrace your full self or wear your heart on your sleeve, but despite William's reserved personality, he had a great time on set. 'The guys are all so great,' William said. 'They just walk up to you like they've been friends with you forever. I felt so comfortable.'

Bonding with the Fab Five even helped William feel comfortable enough to seek their help in planning his proposal to Shannan. He set to work with Karamo, the 'Queer Eye' culture consultant, to craft a grand proposal that would sweep her off her feet.

By far one of my Top 3 favorite episodes ever! I still cry every time I watch it. #IShannanYou #Fab5 #HopelessRomantic @queereye @SilverLimePhoto pic.twitter.com/d9blsneVTr

- Karamo Brown (@KaramoBrown) July 2, 2018

'I was trying to think of a word that meant more than love,' said William, 'and eventually I realized that there was no single word or phrase that could describe how I feel about Shannan. I decided that the only way I could describe it was with her name.'

That's right. William invented a new way to say, 'I love you' - and he did it using his future bride's name. 'I Shannan you.' If you haven't seen the episode yet, I highly suggest grabbing a box of tissues beforehand.

I. Am. Sobbing. #IShannanYou @QueerEye

- Lea (@LeanotLeah) June 25, 2018

Last month, William and Shannan finally tied the knot in a small sunrise ceremony on the beaches of Amelia Island in Florida. Since the show aired, the lovebirds say that although married life is a little different, the couple have stayed pretty true to who they are. They now work together as department managers at the same Walmart store in Cornelia, Georgia, and William continues to create short films and act when he can.

So, what was the biggest lesson he learned on the show?

'Confidence is a big one,' he said. 'I learned how to open up to people. I don't feel hidden anymore; I feel like I can open up to people about who I am. If I feel myself reverting back into that old pattern, I remember something that Tan said to me: 'You're not doing this for yourself, you're doing it for her - the person you love.' I think about that and it inspires me to be the best version of myself.'