The Barn of Chapel Hill

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Happy Hour

Dinner & Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Mikayla and Brandon met in 2013 at NC State through the cheer team. They were stunt partners because Mikayla was coming off an ACL injury and needed a good partner to teach her college stunting. Brandon caught the brunt of her frustration with recovery and consistently got beat up by her huge knee brace. They both loved to work hard and spent hours stunting outside of practice throughout college. They competed partner stunt together, won a team National Championship, and were part of the first group of kids to make and compete with Team USA from NC State. Throughout it all, they were good friends but Mikayla was too busy studying to ever be interested in anything more than that. They stayed in touch after college and when Mikayla got back from getting her masters degree at Oklahoma State University, they would get dinner periodically, hang out for game nights, and ride Brandon’s motorcycle. Still nothing more than friends. Finally after around ten years, Mikayla started wondering if she maybe liked Brandon a little bit more than she let on. She thought about it for six months before she really did anything with these feelings because she wanted to make sure! One night they were hanging out with friends at PBR in Fenton, and Mikayla, and per advice from her sister, took two lemon drop shots to loosen up and asked Brandon if he had ever considered being more than friends (she had him way too far in the friend zone for him to think he could ask her that), to which he responded YES! The rest is history as they started officially dating shortly thereafter that. They’ve traveled the world together and have been to Alaska, Rome, Germany, Switzerland, and Jamaica (where Brandon surprised Mikayla with the PERFECT proposal!). They most recently went to Canada and Greece in 2025. Most importantly, they continue to be best friends first and are so so excited to celebrate getting married with all of their favorite people. Close friends to the couple either saw this coming for years or were completely shocked when they made it official but either way we are incredibly happy to consider all of your part of our journey together!

Friends to Fiancée 

Our Story

Photos

Shaelyn is Mikayla’s sister and absolute best friend. Growing up, Mom always told both girls that “friends will come and go but your sister will always be there” and it couldn’t be more true! Shaelyn is almost just as excited as Mikayla for the big day and is going to be the best MOH!

Shaelyn Raleigh 

Brya and Mikayla were roommates at OSU and have gotten even closer after life created distance between them! They bond over their love of all things Peloton and running related. Brya is one of Mikayla’s best confidants and Mikayla always knows she can call her for advice or a listening ear! Brya got married Memorial Day weekend of 2021 and Mikayla is hoping they get to celebrate anniversary weekends together for years to come. :)

Brya Stewart 

Sedona and Mikayla were roommates for two years at NC State and have had so many fun adventures together since. From exploring NYC to running in CA, Sedona has always been one of Mikayla’s most active friends. Fun fact: They will also share wedding anniversary weekends!:)

Sedona Hilt 

Anna and Mikayla were roommates for two years in college at NC State. Anna is one of those friends that always make an effort to stay in touch, which is something Mikayla sincerely appreciates about her! She bends over backwards to help the people she loves and is one of those friends who will always be honest with you, which Mikayla respects and admires! Mikayla and Anna will also share wedding anniversary weekends. :)

Anna Williams

Erica and Mikayla were roommates for two years in college at NC State and always shared the same side of the apartment! Mikayla feels so fortunate that Erica lives close and that no matter how busy life gets, when they get to hang out it’s like no time has passed at all! Erica cancelled other trip plans to be there in Jamaica when Mikayla got engaged (which meant the world to Mikayla) and Mikayla is so excited to continue to celebrate with her! 

Erica Propst

Audrey and Mikayla have been friends since their Athens Drive high school track days! Audrey is one of those friends who always says yes to any adventure and is constantly making Mikayla laugh. :) They have traveled across the country together (and out of the country- Jamaica engagement!!!) and loveee to try local foodie restaurants when they can!

Audrey Purcell

Erin and Mikayla met through their dogs at Post Parkside and have gotten closer ever since! They share obsessions with their doodle babies and Erin is most definitely Buck’s favorite human (after Mikayla of course), which is quite a status to hold if you know Buck! Mikayla gossips longer with Erin than anyone else on their girls nights to Madre and other local restaurants and loves every minute of it!

Erin Wagner

Eleanor is Mikayla’s younger cousin who has grown into an amazing young woman that Mikayla is so proud of! Mikayla tries to be a great role model for E, who is also an oldest sister, and loves getting the scoop on all of her school drama. Having E there while she gets ready for the big day is something Mikayla is very much looking forward to!

Eleanor Gillen

Grace is another cousin of Mikayla’s and Eleanor’s younger sister. She is following in Mikayla’s footsteps and does competitive cheerleading for Fame in Greenville, NC! Mikayla tries to watch every time she competes in Raleigh and has loved watching Grace get stronger and more confident!

Grace Gillen

Brandon Davis 

Cameron Noble 

Michael Wood

Chad Wallace 

Payton Guerrero 

Junior Wheeler 

Stevie Muncus 

Sam Pierlott 

Drew Kakouras

Foy Coley

Brandon is Mikayla’s youngest brother and the funniest person that she knows! She is hoping he will put on a great show before she walks down the aisle!

Brandon Raleigh 

Jake is Mikayla’s younger brother that she admires very much for his dedication and work ethic. There is no one else she would trust more with the precious ring package!

Jake Raleigh 

Jack is Mikayla’s cousin and co-worker who also enjoys playing Catan and hanging out with Brandon and all the guys. It is important to Brandon and Mikayla that their officiant has a relationship with both of them and they feel very fortunate that Jack fits this bill!

Jack Raleigh

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are several hotel options within 20-25 minutes of the venue. A few options have been listed here. There are also plenty of Air BNBs in the area!

Located in Chapel Hill, 10 miles from Duke University, Aloft Chapel Hill provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a bar, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. All guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. An à la carte breakfast is available at Aloft Chapel Hill. Guests can enjoy playing pool, or take advantage of the business center. PNC Arena is 21 miles from the accommodation, while North Carolina Museum of Art is 22 miles away. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 15 miles from the property.

Aloft Chapel Hill

The Hampton Inn and Suites Chapel Hill Carrboro is just 1 mile from the University of North Carolina. Guests will enjoy a daily breakfast during their stay as well as free Wi-Fi in all rooms. A flat-screen cable TV is included in every room at this Chapel Hill hotel. Spacious suites are available and each bathroom has a hairdryer for added convenience. A fitness center and a business center are on site at the Chapel Hill Hampton Inn and Suites Carrboro. A pool and a laundromat are also available. This hotel is less than 1 mile from the center of the city of Chapel Hill. The UNC Basketball Museum is located 3.5 miles away.

Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill-Carrboro/Downtown

The Carolina Inn, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel, is adjacent to the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This historic hotel features a flat-screen TV in each room and a fitness center on site. Free Wi-Fi and satellite channels are included in the classically decorated guestrooms of this Chapel Hill hotel. Some rooms provide a microwave and small refrigerator for extra convenience. Laundry facilities and a gift shop are both on site at the Carolina Inn of Chapel Hill. Guests will also enjoy access to a business center, valet parking, and a shuttle service is also available. There are a few dining options on site at this hotel, including Forbes, which serves up-scale Southern American cuisine. A breakfast buffet is also available so guests can start the day off right. This hotel is located in Chapel Hill city center and is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. Battle Park is just 1 mile away.

The Carolina Inn, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel

Located in Chapel Hill, 10 miles from Duke University, AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, this 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The property provides a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. At the hotel, the rooms have a desk. All rooms in AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. An American breakfast is available at the accommodation. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown. PNC Arena is 23 miles from the hotel, while North Carolina Museum of Art is 24 miles from the property. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 17 miles away.

AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown

Located in Chapel Hill and with Duke University reachable within 9.1 miles, Holiday Inn Express Chapel Hill by IHG provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center. Private parking is available on site. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is served at the property. Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Chapel Hill, like golfing. PNC Arena is 18 miles from Holiday Inn Express Chapel Hill by IHG, while North Carolina Museum of Art is 19 miles away. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 12 miles from the property.

Holiday Inn Express Chapel Hill by IHG

The Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection features a fitness center, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Chapel Hill. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property provides a concierge service, free shuttle service and luggage storage for guests. At the hotel you'll find a restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options can also be requested. Guests can use the business center or relax in the bar. Duke University is 8.4 miles from The Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection, while PNC Arena is 23 miles away. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 17 miles from the property.

Brandon & Mikayla

Brandon & Mikayla

B&M

Wedding Day

5:00 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Happy Hour

6:30 PM–10:00 PM

Dinner & Reception