Real Wedding Wednesdays: Kayla Payne and Aaron Childs

Kayla and Aaron Childs are no strangers to the unexpected, but they’ve found that everything—at least, as it relates to their relationship and wedding—has worked out for the better.

The pair met thanks to a mutual right swipe on Tinder, and, after dating for five years, Aaron proposed in the very spot where they shared their first kiss: under the 56-foot Christmas tree at Easton Town Center. Unfortunately, they weren’t alone. “Aaron had to stall a bit because another couple was getting engaged in front of the tree just moments before we walked up,” Kayla says. “Talk about crashing the party!”

Ten months later, the happy couple was getting married in front of friends and family. Kayla says she still remembers the audible gasps in the room when the ceremony doors opened, as well as Aaron’s reaction. “Seeing my teary-eyed groom at the end of the aisle is a vision I will take with me for the rest of my life,” she says. (Check it out in the photos above—we think Aaron’s choked-up expression is almost too sweet for words!)

The unexpected continued as the ceremony progressed. Right before their first kiss as husband and wife, Kayla and Aaron debuted a secret handshake they had made up weeks prior, much to the astonishment of their guests.

We’re sure there are more surprises in store for the newlyweds; may they always be the good kind.

The Details

Wedding date: Oct. 5, 2018

Wedding colors: Navy, wine and gray

Theme: Classic

Attendants: Four bridesmaids and four groomsmen

Bride wore: Essense of Australia gown and veil from Wendy’s Bridal, shoes from DSW and jewelry from Icing

Hair stylist: Jacob Christian Salon

Groom wore: Suit purchased from Hockerty

Rings: Engagement ring from Jared and wedding bands from Zales

Bridesmaids wore: Adrianna Papell gowns from Macy’s

Groomsmen wore: Suits rented from Romanoff’s Classic Tuxedos

Rehearsal dinner: Barrel & Boar

Ceremony and reception: Creekside Conference & Event Center

Cake: Made by a friend of the couple

Florist: Floral Fashions (Gallipolis)

Photographer and photo booth: Style & Story

Invitations: Designed by the couple

Reception tunes: DJ Opzzy

First dance: “Stay With You” by John Legend

Accommodations: Hilton Columbus at Easton

Honeymoon: Las Vegas