Some love stories begin in unexpected places. For Kaitlyn and Leighton, it all started as college freshmen at TCU: two Missouri natives whose paths crossed in Fort Worth and never separated again. Nine years later, their wedding at The Adolphus Hotel was a joyful, elegant celebration that perfectly reflected their timeless taste and deep connection.
The couple’s engagement story is as meaningful as their marriage itself. Leighton proposed at Kaitlyn’s favorite family getaway, Hilton Head Island, a place filled with childhood memories and coastal charm. With both families secretly flying in to surprise her, the proposal was heartfelt, intimate, and beautifully thought out. The ring carried its own legacy: it had once belonged to Leighton’s mother, making it a family heirloom that symbolized continuity and love.
Knowing they’d host many out-of-town guests, they envisioned a wedding weekend that felt like a shared experience. “We loved the idea of everyone being in one place, grabbing coffee in the morning or heading to the hotel bar after the reception,” Kaitlyn shared.
When it came to design, Kaitlyn embraced a classic black-and-white palette with soft candlelight and lush white florals. Though she considered incorporating her favorite color, blue, she ultimately leaned into timeless simplicity. Her bridesmaids, dressed in sleek black gowns, looked effortlessly elegant against the backdrop of The Adolphus ballroom.
Throughout the process, Kaitlyn and Leighton took joy in the details. Leighton was involved in every step, especially when creating spreadsheets, attending meetings, and championing his key wedding-day priorities: a DJ instead of a band, seafood on the menu, and a custom Groom’s Cake that combined his love for the Kansas City Chiefs and their alma mater, TCU.
Kaitlyn’s favorite moments included getting ready with her bridesmaids in the Adolphus bridal suite, sharing an emotional first look with her dad, and walking down the aisle to see Leighton for the first time. Their first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Tenerife Sea” carried special meaning, a song that had been theirs since attending his concert years ago.
From the sentimental heirloom ring to the timeless black-and-white details, Kaitlyn and Leighton’s wedding at The Adolphus was a stunning celebration of love, legacy, and joy.
