Bride and Groom Save Their First Kiss for the Wedding — and Say the Moment Was “So Worth the Wait”
When Kaytlin O’Neall and Drew Brown stood at the altar on their wedding day, surrounded by flowers and friends, they were about to share something truly unforgettable — their very first kiss. The moment wasn’t just about romance; it was the culmination of five years of shared values, patience, and love that went far beyond physical gestures.
The couple, both from Texas, had made a personal commitment early in their relationship not to kiss until marriage. For some, it’s a decision that might sound unusual in today’s world — but for Kaytlin and Drew, it was an expression of faith and a way to build a foundation of emotional intimacy first. “We wanted our first kiss to be something sacred,” Kaytlin said in an interview. “We knew it would be special, but I don’t think we realized just how powerful that moment would feel.”
Their journey began nearly five years ago when they started dating. From the beginning, they were open about their values and what they wanted their relationship to stand for. They decided that saving their first kiss until their wedding day would not only honor their beliefs but also strengthen their emotional connection. Along the way, they faced their share of teasing and doubt — from friends, classmates, and even strangers online who didn’t understand their choice.
Still, they stood firm. “People would laugh or make comments,” Drew recalled. “But it didn’t matter. We weren’t doing this for anyone else. It was about us — and about the kind of love we wanted to build together.”
When October 5 arrived, the couple married at The Milestone Denton Mansion in Krum, Texas, surrounded by friends and family who had watched their love story unfold over the years. As Kaytlin walked down the aisle in her lace gown, tears filled Drew’s eyes. He says he could feel the weight of every moment leading up to that one — all the dates, late-night talks, prayers, and promises that brought them to their vows.
And then, when the pastor finally gave them permission to share their first kiss, the room erupted in cheers. “It felt like time stopped,” Kaytlin said. “It wasn’t awkward or nervous — it was everything we hoped it would be. It was pure joy.”
Their story quickly gained attention after People Magazine shared their wedding photos and interview. Some readers were touched by their dedication and self-control, while others were simply inspired by the depth of their commitment in a culture where instant gratification often takes center stage. For the couple, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We didn’t expect our story to go viral,” Kaytlin said. “But if it encourages even one couple to think about love in a deeper way, then that’s worth it.”
The pair believes their decision made their relationship stronger. Without the distraction of physical affection, they learned to communicate deeply, support each other through challenges, and build trust on something more lasting than passion alone. “When you take things slow,” Drew said, “you learn to love someone for who they are, not just what they can give you.”
Their wedding photos — radiant smiles, teary eyes, and that long-awaited kiss — capture not just a milestone but a message. For Kaytlin and Drew, waiting wasn’t about rules or restrictions. It was about defining love on their own terms, grounded in faith and patience.
“It was so worth the wait,” Kaytlin said again, smiling as she looked back on the day. “That first kiss wasn’t just a beginning — it was a promise fulfilled.”
Now, as they begin their new life together, the couple hopes to inspire others to stay true to what they believe, even when it’s not easy. “Whether it’s waiting for a kiss or waiting for the right person,” Drew said, “there’s beauty in patience. Because when the moment finally comes, it means everything.”
