Kaitlyn and Brandyn

Cary, North Carolina

MARCH 10, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHED BY In His Image PhotographyText by Samuel Naumick

When you’re meant to be, you’re meant to be - and nothing will be able to keep you apart. Situations may seem to separate you but it’s only a matter of time before life and love brings you together. For Kaitlyn and Brandyn, their initial meeting ten years ago as Freshman students on the campus of North Carolina State University would mark the moment in which they both discovered the person they were always meant to be with. Both being scholarship students, they quickly realized how much more they had in common, including mutual friends, shared classes, and even born and raised in the same city. But, although their commonalities were numerous and an attraction between them was imminent, Brandyn was in a relationship carried over from high school...

With Brandyn already involved and Kaitlyn not expecting anything more than friendship they both returned to their daily lives, left with unresolved feelings of curiosity as to what may have been had the situation been different. Until, a few years later when fate intervened and both of them finally had singlehood in common. By the persistence of a mutual friend, they both decided to give dating a shot. Dating quickly became a relationship, and a relationship to falling head over heels in love.

Inseparable for three years their relationship would face anew challenge - enduring long distance. With Kaitlyn starting pharmacy school in Charleston, South Carolina, and Brandyn beginning his career in Atlanta, Georgia - their lives would become separated by hundreds of miles, but their hearts would never falter. Making the most of their new arrangement, they scoured the internet for the best flight deals and decided to spend the time they had together traveling the world.

It wouldn’t be long until Brandyn, knowing Kaitlyn was his soulmate, decided it was time to take their relationship to the next level - making it forever. Surprising her with a trip to Thailand, they set out on a culturally enriching journey, exploring tropical beaches, royal palaces, ancient ruins and temples. One evening Brandyn made arrangements for a most special and unforgettable dinner. As they made their way to the table, Kaitlyn was taken aback by how romantic the setup was, with rose petals and candles, and a view overlooking the pacific ocean in Phuket.

For Brandyn, knowing Kaitlyn was “the one” was a culmination of their complete dedication to each other and boundless love. In Brandyn words, “I knew the way she made me feel during the precious moments we did get to spend together was a feeling I wanted to experience forever...over the course of our relationship, she inspired me to grow, live selflessly, and loved me despite my flaws and shortcomings.”

As Kaitlyn and Brandyn admired the setting of their exceptionally romantic dinner, a photographer approached asking if they would like some pictures to capture the moment. As Brandyn stood up from the table, Kaitlyn noticed the tears forming in his eyes and in that moment everything clicked into place and she realized what was about to happen… With the sounds of the pacific ocean serenading them and rose petals all around, Brandyn got down on one knee and asked Kaitlyn, the love of his life, to make their love eternal and become his wife.

“Brandyn always supported me throughout my challenges in pharmacy school and made sure to do whatever it takes to put a smile on my face. His drive, determination, and kind spirit was something I never wanted to let go of.” - Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn and Brandyn’s French victorian garden themed wedding was inspired by a trip to Paris the previous summer, and took place at the beautiful Prestonwood Country Club in North Carolina. The color palette included topiary tree greens, blush and lavender, and the ceremony incorporated the Lord’s prayer, as well as a unity sand pour ceremony. Kaitlyn was stunning in a Stephen Yearick gown, accessorized with a cartier diamond bracelet, and Jimmy Choo shoes.

BEST MEMORIES: "When Brandyn ripped his pants during the garter removal! The funny part is he bought an extra pair of pants because he had a feeling he would rip them at some point during the reception." - Kaitlyn

ADVICE FOR ENGAGED COUPLES: "Enjoy this stage of your relationship because it is a unique time that you won't get back. Don’t try to get wrapped up in planning the wedding so much that you forget the reason why you two are together in the first place, it's about the MARRIAGE, not the WEDDING."