Kaitlin and Jonathan’s Love Story, Part III: After the Wedding

This is the third of a three-part series about Kaitlin and Jonathan’s Love Story. Missed parts one and two? View part one. View part two.

Kaitlin and Jonathan Bensch had just said, “I do,” even though Kaitlin’s father’s health still hung in the balance and her honeymoon was on the horizon.

But first, the reception. The couple’s first song was “Stay with you” by John Legend, which they danced to in a room that wedding planner Katrina Hutchins had turned into a dream. Kaitlin said Hutchins blew her mind.

So did her guests.

“My dad’s four best friends — I call them my ‘uncles’ — did a welcome speech/toast on his behalf that was very touching,” she said. “Then they surprised me by each taking turns dancing with me in [place] of my father/daughter dance.”

Her mom even got on stage with her to belt out some songs.

The next day, the Bensches flew out to Cabo San Lucas for a week-long honeymoon. Kaitlin said, “I loved our adventures we went on while we were there: sightseeing, sunset sailing, and we rode on camels in the desert! We also went downtown to eat at an authentic restaurant.”

Flash forward to this week: Tests showed that her father is cancer free. “He has been doing exceptionally well and better than the doctors predicted,” Kaitlin said. “He completed chemo and radiation in February and finally has his energy back.

“He is playing golf again. Working full-time … We are so thankful for all the prayers that have been and continue to be prayed by our friends and family.”

As for married life? “Married life is great,” Kaitlin said. “It started off a little interesting… Since dad was still in the hospital, we had my mom and sister living with us in our two-bedroom, one-bathroom, Myers Park town home for a month. There was no cooking or cleaning happening for a while.”

The plus side: They learned the art of compromising.

Better changes bloomed this past spring. “We bought a house in March and a puppy in April,” Kaitlin said. “We have a 16-week-old Goldendoodle named Reese.”

Kaitlin just wrapped up grad school, earning a Masters in curriculum and instruction. Jonathan continues his work in the banking industry.

“We both enjoy being active, eating Mexican food and going to the movies,” Kaitlin said. “We also love to travel. We just got back from a mission trip in New York City. We’re going to California — Monterey, San Fran, Napa Valley and Sonoma — next week for our anniversary. We try to go somewhere new every year.”

Photos courtesy of CaptureMeCandid Photography and Kaitlin Bensch.

Featured Vendors: The Duke Mansion, bridal portrait location/ J Major’s Bridal Boutique, bridesmaids’ dresses/ Flowers by Lingky, flowers / Be Pretty, hair & makeup / CaptureMeCandid Photography, photography / Belk, registry / Diamonds Direct SouthPark, rings

Vendors: Alex Bell, cake / Hayden Olivia, gown / Kate Spade, shoes / Men’s Wearhouse, tuxedos / Elisabeth Rose, stationery / East Coast Entertainment, entertainment / Timm Young Films, cinematography / First Baptist Church, Morganton, ceremony / Lake Hickory Country Club, reception and catering / Party Reflections, rentals / Elite Limo, trolley / Come + Together Events, wedding planning and design / Brian Vasilik, silhouette artist