Kayla & Dustin

December 7, 2024

Photography: Chris W Photo

Kayla and Dustin’s story started with a spark at Texas State University, where they met through Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. In the fall of 2018, they briefly dated before life took them in different directions. But fate had its own plans. In May 2021, they crossed paths again at a friend's wedding. By July, at yet another wedding, they finally admitted what had been obvious all along…there was still something there.

"Alright, let's give this another go," Kayla said.

And so, they did. Two and a half years of long-distance dating later, Dustin made the big move from Dallas to Houston, sealing their commitment with proximity and persistence.

But if their love story was a winding road, the proposal was an absolute plot twist. The scene was set at Kayla’s sister’s house for what was supposed to be a simple gender reveal. Kayla, ever the photographer, was busy capturing the moment when the big box opened. Instead of the expected pink or blue balloons, a massive diamond ring balloon floated up, reading: "Just kidding, Kayla! Turn around!"

And there was Dustin, on one knee, proving her wrong in the best way possible.

"You’ll never be able to surprise me," she had teased him for months. Yet, there she was, stunned, speechless, and saying yes.

When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the couple knew exactly what they wanted. With Dustin’s family from Dallas and their mutual love for the countryside, they found their dream spot at Deep in the Heart Farms in Brenham, TX. Their rehearsal dinner location, however, was discovered entirely by accident. While searching for a venue, they stumbled upon Main Street Uncorked, a hidden gem disguised as a martini bar. One drink in, they realized they'd found the perfect spot.

The wedding day itself was nothing short of magical. Their dogs, dressed to impress in a bow tie and flower collar, made their way down the aisle, stealing hearts (and maybe a few treats). Dustin’s niece serenaded the guests with a worship song, setting the tone for a deeply heartfelt ceremony.

At the reception, all eyes were on the couple as they performed a choreographed first dance, thanks to lessons at Fred Astaire in Vintage Park. But the real showstopper? The fog that rolled across the dance floor, courtesy of Elevated AV Productions, adding an ethereal glow to the moment. As the night went on, lumi blasts lit up the dance floor, smoke bubbles floated through the air, and laughter filled the room.

And of course, there was cake… lots of cake. Kayla’s three-tier semi-naked cake featured flavors like Texas Melon, Butter Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon Roll, while Dustin opted for the ultimate classic, a cookie cake. They even had 3D prints of their dogs as cake toppers, a small but significant tribute to their furry family members.

As the evening came to a close, the couple bid farewell in a dazzling exit, ready to embark on their next adventure, a honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Kayla and Dustin’s love story had been years in the making, filled with unexpected reunions, grand surprises, and unforgettable moments. And if their wedding was any indication, their future together would be nothing short of spectacular.

Advice for the brides to be: Pre-decide what is most important to you and your fiancé on your day of. Timelines may get pushed back, photos may be rushed, and you may need to decide in the moment what truly matters. We had to cut some things out of the timeline that were not as important to us in order to catch up since we were running behind and it was ok. The whole day I felt like I was in a bubble and just so happy that nothing really fazed me. That is my wish for you too! Remember you're marrying your best friend and that is what matters most.

Written by Amelia Hall

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