Real Brides: Kayleigh

When I came home to visit one weekend in January 2019, there was Carson sitting in my spot on the couch holding my beloved pomeranian, Charlie. I was slightly annoyed because this man who I had not seen hardly at all since high school was taking over my spot on the couch, chatting with my family about the recent memories they shared, and holding my dog. I was quiet because I was annoyed, and for some reason, I was oddly nervous around the cool, cute guy that I had a school girl crush on since fifteen years old. Over the next several months while I was still at school, Carson and I would keep in touch, and when I came home in May, we began hanging out more often. We spent many nights going to eat at Wolf River Brisket getting to know each other and bonding over music, movies, sports, and being adults living at home. During this time, we developed a friendship that I am forever thankful for. We had zero pressure to impress one another, just friends who were there for each other. My sister, Gigi, was the only one who knew my feelings for Carson that were developing over this time, and she encouraged me to tell him. But I did not want to risk losing such a close friend. I never had any clue of Carson's feelings for me, and I would wonder why he would always compliment me or get annoyed when I would try not to let him pay for my meals. I was oblivious. I am so glad I was though because I would not have been myself in front of him. In August, I received a job offer in Little Rock, Arkansas, and I was very close to accepting the position. A few weeks before I was suppose to move to Little Rock, Carson decided to tell me his feelings for me, and I was blown away. I never thought in a million years that the most thoughtful, caring man would have feelings for me. Since then we have been inseparable, and I could not imagine being with anyone else. Carson is my best friend and confidant, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I knew my dress was the one because it was simply elegant, but it was also fun. The back was my favorite part because of the beautiful detailed lace bottom and simple buttons. I only had to add my grandmother’s pearl earring because the dress was a statement. I wanted to feel timeless and this dress made me feel that way. Photo by Brook Dees Photography