Can I just say (once again) that we truly get the best real-couple models for our shoots? I may be biased, but our couples are always so enthusiastic about being part of the experience—and completely, unabashedly in love, and in turn, we fall in love with them! Nicole & Khanlin embody all of that perfectly: fun, easygoing, playful, and an absolute joy to work with, not to mention they’re simply a gorgeous couple (um, hello Nicole’s sultry eyes!)! We adore them, and we think you will too. Oh, (bonus!) and they conquered the “Wendy” laugh almost immediately (iykyk). We’re so excited to share more of their dreamy images from our Love in Full Bloom styled shoot. Enjoy, dear readers!
What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
Nicole: Modeling for Real Weddings Magazine felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When Sparkle Bridal Couture, the bridal salon where I got my dress, asked if I would be interested, I immediately said yes. I had recently been doing a lot of self reflection about embracing and celebrating myself as I am in the moment, so when this opportunity arose it felt like a sign from the universe.
Khanlin: I thought it would be fun and unique to do with my fiancée a week before our wedding.
Above Photos: On Nicole: Earrings and Necklace from Macy’s, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
How was modeling with your significant other?
Nicole: Modeling with Khanlin was so much fun. Our wedding was a week after the shoot, so it felt like such a special part of our journey to have this experience together: playing dress up and imagining what our actual wedding day would be like.
Khanlin: It was a great time. I got to see my beautiful bride-to-be in a new light.
Above Photos: On Nicole: Earrings by Renewable Jewels, Ring from Ruby Noir, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
Did you relate to the concept?
Nicole: Yes, completely! We had a smaller wedding so it was super fun to have a sneak peek of how beautiful and intimate a smaller wedding can be. We actually made a few small changes to the décor of our wedding based on the style of the shoot!
What was your favorite part of the shoot?
Nicole: Getting to spend time with Khanlin doing something neither of us had done before. Khanlin can be shy in front of a camera, but it was so much fun to see him come out of his shell and embrace the moment. We both love trying new things together, so adding this to our list of experiences felt unreal.
Khanlin: Hanging out with the crew and seeing how things work behind the scenes was great.
Above Photos: On Nicole: Veil by Azazie, Earrings from Ruby Noir, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
Nicole: Khanlin and I met online in Tinder in 2018. When I downloaded the app, I felt like I was just dipping my toe back in the dating pool. While I was open to wherever life would take me, I wasn’t necessarily looking for anything long term or serious. Our first date was at Zocalo in Sacramento and we sat at the bar and got drinks. We had so much fun talking to each other that drinks turned into dinner. I remember texting my best friend after the date and saying, “I think I’m in trouble, I really like this guy.”
Khanlin proposed on March 25, 2023. We had talked about getting married for a long time, but I was finishing up school getting my Master of Public Health. Even though we had talked about it (and honestly ring shopping together), I was still completely surprised when it happened. Khanlin told me he was planning a brunch for both of our moms for their birthdays since his mom’s birthday is March 20 and my mom’s birthday is March 30. When we showed up, all of our friends were already there and he got on one knee and proposed. I was in so much shock but so happy and immediately said yes.
Above Photos: On Nicole: Veil by Azazie, Earrings and Necklace from Ruby Noir, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
Tell us about your wedding.
Nicole: Our wedding day was SO MUCH FUN. Everything went so perfectly. My absolute favorite part was coming down the aisle and seeing Khanlin for the first time that day. We didn’t do a first look before the wedding and I didn’t know anything about his outfit because he wanted to have his own special reveal moment at the altar too. He looked so handsome and I felt like a princess walking down the aisle.
Khanlin: As cliche as it sounds, it was the best day of my life. Once I got over being nervous, I enjoyed everything more than I thought I would.
Above Photos: On Nicole: Headpiece by Adora by Simona, Earrings by Azazie, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
If you could offer any advice to engaged couples, what would it be?
Nicole: Enjoy the engagement period. Khanlin and I were engaged for a little over two years before getting married. The first year we didn’t plan our wedding at all! You have forever to be married, so enjoy the fun moments that come with engagement, too.
Khanlin: Don’t stress over the little things and prioritize being present with your partner and enjoying yourself.
Above Photos: On Nicole: Earrings and Necklace from Macy’s, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
Special thanks to our real couple models, Nicole & Khanlin, and all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
Above Photos: On Nicole: Earrings and Rings from Ruby Noir, Gown from Sparkle Bridal Couture, Tulle Robe by Salt Gowns, Shoes from DSW; On Khanlin: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den, Tie from Macy’s
Click here to see more from our “Love in Full Bloom” styled shoot!
