Lilly Jean Coiner – self-described as a “Kentucky girl, attorney, and lover of life” –  DM’d stand-up comedian and TikTok personality Heather Shaw with one question: “Will you marry me?” 

Four years later, the power couple tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony on New Year’s Eve at 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. 

“We met in the very traditional way,” Shaw said. “Tale as old as time: Instagram DMs.”

Since starting her comedy career, Shaw has captivated nearly three million TikTok followers with her stand-up, podcast, and uncanny resemblance to actor Jim Carrey. While Shaw toured and entertained, Coiner studied law at the University of Kentucky.

Heather Shaw and Lilly Jean Coiner share a kiss during their engagement photo shoot, celebrating their decision to get engaged ahead of their New Year’s Eve wedding in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by @brizzyroseandemma.

“We texted, we messaged, and then we did the lesbian thing where we had a six hour FaceTime,” Shaw said. “And from then on, we’ve been in love forever.”

“It was instantaneous,” Coiner added.

The couple met in person for the first time in Nashville, Tennessee, on New Year’s Eve, where they celebrated a three-day-long first date. Now, New Year’s Eve is immortalized as their wedding anniversary: a date they chose to reduce stress and ensure family could attend.

“We wanted to make sure everyone could come. It’s a holiday, everyone’s got the time off,” Coiner said. “Everybody being there to celebrate us is going to feel amazing. We’re very lucky.”

The couple also “prioritized food” when searching for the perfect wedding venue, citing excitement over 21c’s “great menu and cocktails.” Shaw, a vegan of six years, and Coiner, a foodie, frequently hunt for the best restaurants while traveling for Shaw’s stand-up performances.

“I’m excited to get everyone together,” Shaw said. “Her family, my family, mixing them all together.”

“We’re really excited [for the wedding], and we feel really supported by our family and friends,” Coiner said. 

Heather Shaw and Lilly Jean Coiner celebrate their New Year’s Eve wedding at 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, sharing champagne during their reception. Photo by @brizzyroseandemma.

Coiner’s family – and their legacy in Kentucky – helped solidify their decision to get married in Louisville and stay within the state for the foreseeable future. Plans for 2026 include boosting Shaw’s comedy career, raising their two dogs and cat, and traveling to St. Lucia to celebrate their honeymoon.

“I think we both really help each other,” Coiner said. “I can really easily get so locked in, and she helps me remember: [I’m] just a human person. It’s not a big deal. She helps me feel more free to laugh about stuff.” 

“People think it’s funny, but it really makes perfect sense,” Shaw said. “We bounce off each other perfectly. We need someone who’s the complete opposite. It’s fun to be with someone very smart.”

Despite Shaw’s success as a professional comedian, she admits that Coiner typically inspires the laughter in the relationship.

“She’s way funnier than me. She’s way funnier than me,” Shaw praised Coiner. “I couldn’t be with an unfunny person. We have a good thing going.”

Heather Shaw and Lilly Jean Coiner make their celebratory entrance during their New Year’s Eve wedding at 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, holding hands as they descend the stairs together. Photo by @brizzyroseandemma.

After the wedding celebration, Shaw will return to the stage in January to tape her first comedy special in Janesville, Wisconsin. In the meantime, she practices her hour of material at Planet of the Tapes, beloved for its “weekend comedy shows, live music, film club meetups, [and] art shows.”

“I’m really excited to just put my mind out there. Here’s my hour of jokes, here’s what I can do as a performer.”

When she’s not performing on stage or going viral on TikTok, Shaw uploads weekly episodes of her podcast, “Heather Shaw is Kidding.”

“I get to roast celebrities. It’s awesome, it’s fun, it’s not serious,” Shaw said.

“I think it’s a good exercise for you,” Coiner said. “I’ve noticed from watching her write. It really stimulates her.”

Fans of Shaw’s comedy can visit Shaw’s website to review her tour dates, access additional content, and connect with her on social media – all things Coiner encourages people to do.

“Shoutout to Heather Shaw comedy,” Coiner said in support of her wife. “Follow her! Like her stuff! Listen to her podcast!”