Real Wedding | Caroline & Kaleb

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We met in September of last year (2023) doing a residency program through our church. Although we were doing this program for other reasons, the two of us were drawn to each other from day one & it was inevitable we’d eventually find ourselves on a date.

On October 31st 2023, we found ourselves grabbing an intentional cup of coffee and things moved rather quickly after that.

Kaleb soon shared with me his intentions in getting to know me (Caroline). A week later he asked me to be his girlfriend and a week after that he told me that he loved me! He wrote me a letter the following week saying he knew that I was he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and that I’d read that letter on the day he proposed.

Two months into us dating he gave me my first letter and then repeated that every month until our engagement. Kaleb proposed in the same coffee shop we had our first date at and had all the letters he wrote me hanging behind us, including the letter I hadn’t yet read. I obviously bawled my eyes out once I saw it and felt like I fell in love with him all over again in that moment.

Five months later we were married! The cliché, “When you know you know” turned out to be real us! I couldn’t imagine doing life with anyone else, nor would I want to. I love him, I love him, I love him!

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

I (Caroline) am actually a wedding photographer! Kaleb and I knew we wanted to have our ceremony close to home for our friends and family and the sentiment. I have of course shot many local weddings in Oklahoma and I thought that would make picking a venue difficult. Instead however, the opposite happened! Spain Ranch is one of my favorite venues in Oklahoma. The property is gorgeous year round, but it also holds a special place in my heart due to all of the weddings I’ve had the privilege of photographing there! Once Kaleb toured the venue, he too quickly fell in love and that was settled!

What was your budget?

$30,000.

Tell us about your outfits.

My dress was actually one that I didn’t pick out to try on, but my mom and sister saw it and encouraged me to, “just see!” I tried it on and liked it, but felt something was missing. I had the idea of adding a neck scarf and instantly knew I had found the dress!

Kaleb’s tux was from good ole JC Penney AND on sale… there’s a little tip for ya, save a buck where you can! Not everything needs to be top of the line in order for it to be wonderful!

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

Choosing the right vendors! Experienced vendors who deeply care about their craft and their clients is crucial. I can’t sing the praises of my vendors enough. I have worked with all of them as a wedding photographer besides our photographer, Madison Katlin Photography. She didn’t disappoint! It was incredibly special getting to be on the other side of the day with all of them. Knowing how much work goes into a wedding day and seeing them bring our vision to life was incredible and a really unique gift.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

Our faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing to us and is the foundation of our marriage. Symbolism is woven all throughout a wedding ceremony and Kaleb and I wanted the Gospel to be on full display during our ceremony. We had our family and the elders of our church pray over us after Kaleb and I took communion and that was one of our favorite moments of the entire day!

Any tips for couples getting married?

Don’t get caught up in the planning and the details/ the “picture” of your wedding day. Be present in your engagement season and ask for help! Remember why you’re getting married and that you’ll be married at the end of your wedding day, no matter what little hiccups may come up. Don’t sweat the little things and have fun! It goes by so fast.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

I don’t think we can highlight one vendor w/o highlighting the next. Kaleb and I genuinely wouldn’t have changed out any of our vendors. They all did incredible jobs and made the day happen as smoothly and beautifully as possible.

Fleak Events Co, The Event Space, Emerald and Olive, Madison Katlin Photography, Tenley Bogle, Lindsey West, Sam Palmer, Spain Ranch, Ellis Hospitality, Party Pro Rents, & Chantilly Bridal Studio, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts- We love you all and can’t thank you enough for walking hand in hand with us during such a special season.