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Haylee and Kyle Tilly’s love story began long before their paths aligned romantically. Growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, the two had known each other since middle school, but it wasn’t until after college that their lives intertwined. Now, as a married couple living in Brentwood, Tennessee, they reflect on their journey from childhood crushes to their dream wedding, and the lessons they learned along the way.
The Beginning: Childhood Memories and Online Reunions
Haylee and Kyle first met in sixth grade, but it wasn’t love at first sight—at least not officially. Haylee recalls a vivid memory of teasing Kyle during recess by calling out his name from the dugout and hiding with her friends. Despite their early encounters, it wasn’t until years later that their romance blossomed. “It was actually online dating that brought us back together,” Haylee shares. After reconnecting through a dating app, the two quickly hit it off and have been inseparable ever since.
The Proposal: A Clever Cover-Up
Kyle, ever the planner, knew he had to be strategic to surprise Haylee with his proposal. With Haylee working for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and having a knack for figuring things out, Kyle had to be creative. He cleverly used her sister’s upcoming wedding as a cover, renting out a photography studio in Nashville and involving their friends for a covert photoshoot.
To keep Haylee in the dark, Kyle asked her sister to pretend they were scouting the studio for bridesmaid preparations. The plan worked perfectly, and Haylee was completely surprised. Kyle had even planned an after-party with family and friends, coordinating their schedules to celebrate the engagement. “I really didn’t think he was gonna be able to pull it off, but he did,” Haylee reflects.
Wedding Planning: Overcoming Challenges
Wedding planning is no small feat, especially in a city like Nashville. For Haylee and Kyle, the process took about a year and a half, allowing them time to save money and plan their dream day. One of the biggest challenges they faced was the unexpected costs that come with a wedding. “We did not realize how expensive weddings can be, especially in Nashville,” Haylee says.
However, with the help of her mom, sisters, and friends, Haylee was able to navigate the ups and downs of planning. From comparing prices to organizing details, it became a family affair. Despite being self-described “people pleasers,” the couple remained focused on making the day their own, balancing others’ opinions with their own vision.
Wedding Inspiration: Bringing Color to Life
When it came to designing their wedding, Haylee initially envisioned a moody winter theme, but the bright, open space at their venue, 14TENN, inspired her to bring more color into the celebration. “I liked the idea of ushering in spring,” Haylee explains. She worked closely with Echoes of Eden, a florist from the venue’s vendor guide, to incorporate vibrant florals and even citrus elements at their sweetheart table. The result was a bright, joyful atmosphere that perfectly reflected the couple’s personalities.
Special Moments and Meaningful Traditions
One of the most cherished memories from their wedding day was the first look and private vows. Kyle surprised Haylee with a custom suit lined with a watercolor design of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and the couple exchanged heartfelt letters, which held deep significance for them. “Letters and things of that nature are really important to us,” Haylee says. The emotional exchange left them both in tears, underscoring the love they share.
The couple also took advice from friends to carve out moments for themselves throughout the day. From sneaking away for quiet moments to dancing the night away, they made sure to stay present and enjoy each other’s company. “We wanted to spend our entire night on the dance floor,” Haylee recalls.
Advice for Future Couples
Reflecting on their journey, Haylee and Kyle offer invaluable advice to other couples. “Focus your energy on what’s most important to you,” Kyle suggests. For them, it was making their ceremony personal and meaningful. Haylee adds that it’s easy to get caught up in the small details, but ultimately, no one notices the little things you stress about. “It matters that you’re getting married and that the people you love are there.”
The couple also highly recommends hiring a wedding planner to stay on top of timelines and ease the stress of decision-making. “Our planner, Sarah, was amazing,” Haylee says. With the right support and a focus on what truly matters, Haylee and Kyle’s wedding day became a celebration of love, family, and their unique journey together.
In the end, their wedding wasn’t just about the décor or the food—it was about creating an experience that reflected who they are as a couple. “We wanted people to show up and say, ‘This totally makes sense. This is Haylee and Kyle’s wedding.’” And that’s exactly what they achieved.
Show Notes
Haylee and Kyle Tilly met in middle school and reconnected after college through online dating. They had a long engagement and planned a spring wedding at 14TENN in Nashville. The wedding had a colorful and spring-inspired theme, with unique and sculptural floral arrangements. Special moments from the wedding included the first look and reading the letters they had written to each other. Haylee and Kyle share their favorite moments from their wedding day, including reading letters to each other, having a moment alone before the ceremony, and dancing with Haylee’s grandpa. They emphasize the importance of focusing on what is most important to you as a couple and not getting caught up in the small details. They also recommend hiring a wedding planner to help with decision-making and staying organized. Haylee and Kyle advise couples to enjoy the planning process and make decisions that reflect their personalities and priorities.
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