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LOVE STORY: BRITTANY
Brittany & Stephen By Kelsie Dove Photography by Jessie Newton Photography
Couple embarks on lifelong adventure
Brittany Wilem Kahler said that from her first date with Stephen Kahler in November of 2019, she had an undeniable feeling that she was going to marry him. “From the moment Stephen and I went on our first date, there was an instant connection.”
The couple met through online dating, even though they both grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In fact, their brothers were friends in high school, but Brittany said that she and Stephen were never around at the same time they were hanging out. As fate would have it, they started officially dating on a “Bachelorette Monday” when Stephen came to Brittany’s house, cooked her dinner, and presented her with a rose to ask her to be his girlfriend.
Later that year, Stephen and Brittany celebrated his birthday at a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN. Stephen planned a hike that was supposed to end at a big waterfall, and Brittany said they expected it to be a fairly easy mile and a half. As it turns out, they were unprepared for the elevation and the full distance, but after passing three other waterfalls and almost giving up from exhaustion, they made it to their destination. Stephen suggested a picture, after which Brittany heard Stephen say, “So what do you think about marrying me?” She turned to find him on one knee, holding out a gorgeous engagement ring. Of course, Brittany said yes, but it was not until later that she found out Stephen had said a whole speech which she had not heard because the waterfall was too loud.
Brittany and Stephen were married in October of 2021 at the Chapel at Centennial Plaza. Brittany said about 130 people attended the wedding, and Centennial Plaza provided the perfect venue for the laid back but classy feeling they wanted. “We had the absolute best day ever,” Brittany said. The bride and groom wrote letters to one another to be read on the day of their wedding, and the couple also wrote their own vows. “Both of those are things we will frame and treasure for a long time,” Brittany said.
While they decided against a bride and groom “first look” before the ceremony, Brittany did share a first look with her father. Brittany said, “My dad and I are very close, so doing a first look with him was one of my favorite moments of the day.” Because she and Stephen waited to see one another until she was walking down the aisle, Brittany also treasures that memory. “Seeing him tear up as I walked down the aisle is another really special moment that I love thinking back on and seeing the pictures of.”
During the ceremony, Brittany had her grandfather’s World War II medals and both of her grandparents’ wedding rings. Stephen’s mother had passed away from
breast cancer a few years before their wedding, so to honor her memory, the First Baptist Church of Gulfport choir sang “Amazing Grace” at the wedding. One of Stephen’s fondest memories of his mother was listening to her sing in the choir on Sundays, so that was a particularly special moment for him during the ceremony.
Today, the Kahlers still live in Gulfport where Stephen works for Turan Foley Chevrolet and Brittany owns and operates three family businesses with her dad. Brittany said that while she and Stephen are very different, they balance one another well. They both share a strong sense of adventure and a deep love for people. Brittany said, “He’s my best friend, adventure buddy, sounding board, and honestly, the best part of me.”
VENDORS Photographer Jessie Newton Photography Wedding planner After the Proposal Ceremony venue Chapel at Centennial Plaza Reception venue Chapel at Centennial Plaza Florist After the Proposal Caterer Centennial Plaza Liquor Centennial Plaza Makeup Azalea Spa and Salon Hair Azalea Spa and Salon Videographer Megan Elizabeth Films Wedding Bands Traditional Jewelers Wedding gown Bridal and Formal Boutique - House of Tux Tux Men’s Warehouse Bridesmaid dresses Azazie Musician/Entertainment Nightshift Sounds and Entertainment Clergy/Officiant John Hairston Cake French Kiss Pastries Lighting AlphaLit Gulf Coast Rehearsal Dinner Great Southern Club Dedication to Groom’s Mother’s Memory: First Baptist Gulfport Choir
