As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. We know it’s cliche, but that does not mean it’s not true! Kaitlyn and Cory can certainly attest to it as the couple had to make long-distance work while Cory, an officer in the US Army, was deployed to Poland. Yet, nothing was stopping this love. Which is how we ended up here, at The Thayer Hotel for their wedding! 

The two first met when Kaitlyn was a junior at Southwestern University. Cory was stationed nearby and came into the restaurant where Kaitlyn was working. They started talking and eventually got to know each other which lead to falling in love. Soon, Cory was deployed to Poland. It was really hard but they knew it was worth it.

A few months after Cory returned, the couple went on a vacation in Florida with Kaitlyn’s family. They rented a cottage on the beach. One day, Cory explained that he set up a picnic dinner in the sand to watch the sunset. When the sun went down, Cory proposed, filling Kaitlyn with more joy than she could ever express. 

Picking out a venue is oftentimes a difficult task. You want a gorgeous location with potentially some meaning, in hopes that it can create an atmosphere of love, commitment, and happiness. Well, Kaitlyn and Cory had no issues on that front. They knew they wanted their ceremony to be in West Point, where Cory graduated. They chose to do it at The Cadet Chapel, a large stone church with the largest pipe organ in the world. 

The ceremony was heartfelt and emotional. Everyone shed tears as the couple exchanged vows. Cory wore his uniform and Kaitlyn wore her long, white, sweetheart neckline gown. The two looked perfect together standing at the altar. 

Once the bride and groom were officially pronounced husband and wife, they made their grand exit. However, they traded rice-throwing for a formal arch of swords! How cool! 

Both Kaitlyn and Cory were not into wedding planning, so they left most of the process up to Kaitlyn’s mom and their wedding planner. When it came time to enter The Thayer Hotel and see how it all turned out, the couples’ jaws dropped. It was so much more than they could have ever imagined. 

The color scheme was filled with lots of champagne colors. From the bridesmaids’ dresses to the tablecloths, it was impeccably consistent and utterly brilliant.

The reception at The Thayer Hotel went along without a single hiccup. Guests danced the night away, the maid of honor and best man made speeches, and the bride and groom danced with their parents. Kaitlyn and Cory loved celebrating their marriage among family and friends! 

When the evening slowly faded out, the newlyweds said their goodbyes to everyone who made the trip out for them. They took a moment to take it all in, then headed outside for a final few photos. From now until forever, they will have these pictures to reflect upon. 

Congratulations, Kaitlyn and Cory! We are so glad we had the opportunity to be a part of your special day! Click here to view their wedding video!

Venue: The Thayer Hotel 

Wedding Planner: Susan Knapik 

Florist: Lee Vazquez Floral Design 

Cake: Peekskill Bakery 

Gown Boutique: Kleinfelds 

Makeup: Eva Kleimenova 

Hair: Vladlena Cozlova