Kaitlin and Thomas

I met Thomas at CSULB in 2013 when we started graduate school in the same cohort. I was getting my Master's in Molecular Biology and he was getting his in Marine Biology. It was love at first site for Tommy but it took me a few years of being friends before I realized my feelings. When we finally admitted our feelings for each other, everything fell into place pretty easily. My mom told me Tommy was "the one" before she even met him and Tommy’s brother put me into his phone with their last name the first time he met me. It was clear to everyone this relationship was something that would last.

For our engagement, Tommy enlisted my two sisters’ help to plan a surprise birthday party for my 30th birthday (2 weeks before my actual birthday so I wouldn't suspect a thing). When we arrived at the house, there were dozens o four friends and family ready to shout "SURPRISE!!" Immediately when we walked into the door, Tommy dropped to one knee, surprising EVERYONE at the party (including our parents!!!!) when he asked me to marry him. It was absolutely perfect! Sharing that moment with all those people closest to us.

When I went shopping for my wedding dress, I drove an hour away from home for a trunk sale of a different designer (….. sorry!) When I walked in the door, the first thing I saw was another bride wearing this dress. She was breathtaking so I asked to try on that dress too. This dress was the first one I tried one and I cried immediately! I wanted to be sure it was “the dress” so I tried on 6 others, with no emotional connection at all. I got back into the first dress and knew immediately it was my dress and never looked back again. When I walked down the aisle to Tommy, the first thing he said to me was “your dress is perfect! You look amazing!” I’ll never forget that moment.