Real Weddings | Caitlyn and Tanner | November 10, 2017
Some couples just bring out the best in all of us. With smiles so contagious and a love for one another so evident, these two can simply fill a room with joy. Never was this truer than on November 10, 2017 when Caitlyn and Tanner Worley stood on our chapel’s altar surrounded by many there to cheer them on.
“I really loved the moment during the ceremony when my dad had us look out at all our friends and family who were there supporting us.” Caitlyn and Tanner were kind enough to share their day with us and all the gorgeous thought that went into it. Enjoy!
From Tanner:
Caitlin and I met in college; she was a good friend of a few of my roommates. We [went] on two dates in college, but moved on as friends pretty quickly. We stayed friends as we moved to Dallas and saw each other frequently. I always thought about asking Caitlin out again, but I respected her so much that I knew I had to grow as a man before I would be ready to be a man worth her dating.
From Caitlyn:
Fast forward almost five years later, we started dating again. Tanner and I were living in different cities at the time when he called me to ask me out on a date. Instead of just asking me out, Tanner explained the reasons why he wanted to go on a date with me. I was instantly drawn in by his boldness and sincerity. It felt right with Tanner; he challenges and encourages me, bold in his character and faith and without a doubt can always make me laugh.
[For our wedding,] I (Caitlyn) wanted something classic and timeless with beautiful greenery and touches of simple detailing. My heart for the ceremony was sentimental. We had multiple aspects to touch on that through Tanner’s dad being our officiant, wearing my mom’s veil and writing our own vows.
For the reception, we wanted it to be a big party with all our friends and family and for everyone to have a ton of fun. Our loved ones are so important to us and we are so grateful for their love and support that we wanted a huge celebration and a fun evening dancing our hearts out.
That was one of the reasons why I loved the Laurel because it was so classically beautiful and fit with what I was envisioning for our wedding day. Also, we loved the fact that their reception space was connected to the chapel because it allowed for our guests to get right to the celebration. I wanted that dance floor busted out on as soon as possible.
Having a first look was one of the best decisions we made. So thankful for our videographers highlighting the beauty that can come from a first look. Tanner said that he felt overcome with joy to the point of tears … lots and lots of tears.
At the sound of Caitlin’s footsteps, before I (Tanner) even turned around, the tears started. It’s a moment and feeling we will never forget.
How do we pick a favorite when every second of our wedding day was everything I imagined AND MORE. The moment the chapel doors opened and I saw Tanner standing at the end of the aisle was surreal. It’s a picture in my mind I won’t ever forget. I also loved getting to spend the day getting ready with my bridesmaids. It’s really special having a group of women, from all different seasons of my life, by my side.
I (Tanner) really loved the moment during the ceremony when my dad had us look out at all our friends and family who were there supporting us.
Also, my (Caitlyn’s) dad surprised us mid-reception with an incredibly heartfelt speech where one line he said will stick in my heart for the rest of my life: “When I look back at my 58 years and think about what I have accomplished, nothing greater than you.” Cue the tears.
You always hear that you fall more in love with your spouse every day and I thought that was just a cliché. But it’s really true, being Tanner’s wife and walking through life by his side, good days and hard days, I really do fall more in love with him every day that passes. Marriage is the greatest gift and it’s really, really fun to be married to your best friend.
[It was most important to us] that our guests would walk away from our ceremony having heard the gospel and seen our marriage as a reflection of that.
Our incredible wedding planner, amazing vendors and the staff at the Laurel really knocked it out of the park to make our day super special. I did not have to worry about anything on our special day and was able to completely soak up every detail and moment from beginning to end without an ounce of stress. Having that kind of support, made our day perfect and a night we will never forget.
Thank you, Caitlyn and Tanner, for sharing your beautiful day with us. We wish you all the best in the many years to come. Happy Anniversary!
