Despite meeting virtually during the pandemic, this modern love story will make any romantic swoon. The pair met through the popular dating app, Hinge, during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Once businesses began to open up, the couple met for the first time at Tupelo Honey and went to Top Golf, followed by a relaxing dip in the pool. From that moment on, the pair became inseparable and craved each other’s company. “That old saying, ‘when you know, you know,’ is so true,” says Hayden.

The proposal was a special occasion, as the pair had traveled to Las Vegas for Hayden’s birthday. The proposal took place at Caesar’s Palace at the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden. With hundreds of spectators, Austin proposed his unfaltering love for Hayden, and was met with an excited yes! Despite his plan to propose not being a secret, he still managed to surprise Hayden with his timing.

The ceremony was held at the beautiful Blessed Barn in Aynor, S.C.. The morning of the reception, it was raining hard and fast—which was disappointing, as the pair wanted an outdoor wedding, surrounded by pasture views. With a lot of prayer and a little bit of luck, the rain stopped just before the scheduled first look with the bride’s father, and the event went off without a hitch. One of the moments Hayden will always cherish from the day was the ladybug that landed on her during the first look. “We consider those signs of good luck and blessings,” Hayden says, so it was the perfect omen to kick off their day.

The ceremony incorporated an elegant bohemian theme, with the couple getting married underneath a triangle arbor. The couple’s religion is important to them, with the arbor representing God at the top and the husband and wife on either leg, portraying the idea that the closer the husband and wife are to God, the closer they are to one another. The ceremony was as fun as it was beautiful, with the bride walking down the aisle to a mix of “Here Comes the Bride” and “Dancing Queen.”

The reception was also held at the Blessed Barn, which boasts two separate barns on the property for guests to enjoy. The décor featured the same bohemian theme, with additions such as disco balls thrown in to increase the fun factor. The menu served guests a delicious herb-roasted chicken, green beans, and scalloped potatoes, but there was no shortage of snacks for any hungry guests! The reception also featured a charcuterie cone wall along with charcuterie board spreads, popcorn, a cookie bar, a doughnut wall, and a coffee bar for the cocktail hour and after-dinner snacks. In addition to the beer, wine, champagne and seltzers that were served, the reception also included a photo booth, a DJ from Eyecon Entertainment, and plenty of dancing.

The couple now resides happily in the Grand Strand area, where Hayden works for Marriotts Oceanwatch Villas and Austin works for Southern Welders Supply Inc.

Photo by Hannah Ruth Photography