By Delaney Galvin | Photo by Helen Hong
Hillsborough residents Katelyn Martin and Keilani Kenny could immediately tell they were right for each other after they met through a dating app during the pandemic. They had both been in long-term relationships before, but Katelyn says they “just knew” that this one was unique.
One night in February 2021, after dating for nearly a year, Katelyn opened her front door to find rose petals and tea lights forming a path to Keilani, who was on one knee with a ring in her hand. “Our engagement was an absolute surprise,” Katelyn says.
The couple married on April 20, 2021, at a private waterside residence in Hillsborough offered up by a friend. Katelyn says their community rallied around them to help put it all together. The event featured plenty of DIY touches, including dried petals from the proposal decorating the outdoor space. Although COVID-19 only allowed for two guests – Katelyn’s best friend, Kylie Huber, and Keilani’s sister, Kailey Muñoz – plus their beloved pup, Parker Wayne, the pair loved the intimate feeling.
“My wife and I are breaking toxic generational curses by being ourselves and bettering ourselves,” Katelyn explains. They say they are excited to start their marriage off on “an absolutely amazing foot,” represented by their pairs of rainbow wedding shoes. After the ceremony, Katelyn and Keilani got matching tattoos from Rosemary Van Dyke at Naiad Craftworks in Carrboro.
They spent their honeymoon at a secluded cabin in the woods in Asheboro, North Carolina.
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