REAL WEDDING:: Caitlyn Herrin + Gaige Sidaway {Second Chances, Forever Love}

Bride and groom walk across a lawn with their wedding party dressed in soft pastel attire.

::FEATURED IN THE 2026 SUMMER DIGITAL EDITION OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Salty Blonde Photography

caitlyn + gaige’s story

Some love stories begin once. Caitlyn and Gaige’s began twice.

Caitlyn and Gaige met for the first time in grade eight of middle school. They shared a math class together and began a friendship. As this friendship grew, feelings towards another did as well. However, Caitlyn’s parents were rather strict, and they did not want her to have a boyfriend. With much begging towards her parents, Caitlyn was FINALLY allowed to date! Gaige asked Caitlyn out on a movie date to begin this journey of love. Although this relationship did not last (as most middle school relationships don’t), fate would bring these two back together again.

Bride and groom hold hands as they exchange vows beneath a flower-adorned outdoor arbor.

Flat lay of wedding details including invitation suite, rings, heirloom vow books, watch, lace garter, and save-the-date card arranged on grass.

Close-up of the bride's white rose bouquet against her satin wedding gown with dramatic puff sleeves.

Close-up of the groom's floral tie featuring a custom photo sewn into the tip.

Bride and groom share a kiss beneath the ceremony arbor after exchanging vows.

Senior year of high school rolls around where the two share a class together again. After years of not truly speaking to one another while being in different friend groups, Caitlyn and Gaige reunite their own friendship. Again, this friendship will turn into feelings. Only this time, it will last forever. A month into hanging out, Gaige asked Caitlyn to be his girlfriend on October 3rd, 2018. He brought her to a picnic on the Ocean Springs beach to watch the sunset and provided her favorite meal at the time being chicken nuggets from McDonalds. She does not care for this exquisite restaurant anymore, but will always cherish this memory.

Groom in a light cream suit stands outdoors before the ceremony with hands clasped.

Bride in an off-the-shoulder satin gown holds a white bouquet beneath a parasol at the ceremony arbor.

Three-tier chocolate chip cookie wedding cake with white frosting and black-and-white cat figurines on top.

Close-up of the bride's white bouquet surrounded by bridesmaids holding colorful basket floral arrangements.

Caitlyn knew this time around with dating Gaige felt different. She began journaling big moments in the their relationship together. The first huge moment being their first “I Love You” on November 18th, 2018. It wasn’t just happy moments that she took note of, but the challenges that they faced as well. After high school graduation, these two lovebirds would face many trails while being long distant from another to continue their education. Gaige went to MSU while Caitlyn stayed on the coast at MGCCC. After five years of living apart from one another, they were reunited once Gaige finished college! They lived together in Mobile, AL where Caitlyn worked until they had their big move to California for Gaige’s job. Before the big move happened, Gaige proposed on August 8th, 2024!! He recreated that special moment where it all began by proposing to Caitlyn on the beach during the sunset. All of the love and hardships were proven to last by the seal of promise to another with this ring. The two have been one all throughout this journey, and they couldn’t wait for their special day that happened April 25th, 2026. They are now forever sharing life together and happily married.

Small white frosted wedding cake with vintage piping and a gold "just married" topper.