Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte North by IHG

Bridal Shower

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte North, an IHG Hotel

Rehearsal Dinner

Crystal Ballroom Charlotte

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

In the era of online dating, Kayla found O’Brien on Hinge. After texting for a little over a week, we went out on our first date which turned into a week long of dates and a lifetime of happiness.

How We Met

We went out bowling (OB wore sweatpants which Kayla won’t let him live it down) and to IHOP where we talked for hours, Kayla dropped silverware because she was so nervous and OB ate his whole meal which was big lol

Our First Date

A quick spring break trip to Myrtle! The water was freezing but the crab legs were amazing. The first of many beach trips!

Our first vacation 

Neither one of us had gotten a place together with a significant other before! Still crazy to come home to each other when it felt like the process to find a place was taking too long!

Move in day!!

Our first real all day Christmas together! What a shock it was to OB when he realized we are that family that does matching pjs for Christmas! But he actually loves every minute of it! With no naps, we spent the morning at Kayla’s parents’ house , around mid day we went over to OB’s grandma’s house to celebrate and ended back at Kayla’s parent’s house for dinner and more gifts.

Christmas is for matching outfits!

Kayla actually thought it was going to happen this day. She went out with her mom and middle sister to the Blumenthal theatre to see Back to the future the musical! In Kayla’s mind, they are already dressed up! No need to make an excuse to look good which was a want that Kayla told OB.

The day before the proposal!

The day started as normal as can be. We had our godson for the weekend and his parents came to pick him up that morning. After that, it was time to shower and head to Kayla’s parent’s house for a “normal” family get together. As we pulled off the exit, OB started searching for a song (matrimony by wale and usher). He was grabbing Kayla’s hand, like he always did before, to kiss it and hold on tight. While Kayla saw the same OB he always is, OB was getting nervous by the second. He pulled into the back entrance of the neighborhood which was odd to Kayla but she didn’t say anything until there were a lot of cars on their street. Still, Kayla did not catch on. We walked in the house to familiar family friends but majority of everyone was outside. Kayla stepped outside to hug her mom and immediately saw OB’s mom off to the side who she didn’t think would be there. Then saw their godson’s parents and in an excited voice Kayla asks “what are you guys doing here?” She scanned the rest of outside to see all of OB’s family also there off to the side. Another, more nervous “what are you guys doing here?” OB took Kayla’s hands in his to tell her the past 2 years have been the best he could ever ask for. “Don’t cry” *nervous laugh* Kayla’s grandma tells “speak up!” The words blurred for Kayla and OB as Kayla realized this was really happening and OB realized he was really doing this. A quick turn to his best friend for the ring and then he was down on one knee saying “Kayla Marie Blocker, will you marry me?” Of course the awhs were loud and the ring was not sitting up right but Kayla nervously said yes! As all the cameras and phones were on them. A perfect fit for the ring and the tears started flowing!

Our Proposal! 💍🤩

Our Story

Photos

Kayla's middle sister, loves TS, will be bussin' it down on the dance floor

Naleah Blocker

Kayla's youngest sister, loves pigs, will make you buss-a-gut laughing

Mya Blocker

Kayla's college best friend, loves purple, will talk to everyone at the party

Jada Lynch

Kayla and O'Brien's friend, loves her son, will do a shot with you

Miah Boyd (Soon-to-be Mrs. White)

Kayla's college roommate, loves to party, will lift up Kayla's dress to help her go pee

Briana Wilson

O'Brien's best friend, loves his family, will out dance and battle anybody on the dance floor

O'Michael White

O'Brien's little sister, loves to travel, will be in town only for the wedding

Isha Wilson

O'Brien's cousin, loves to chill, will step out for a smoke break

Leroy Haskins IV

O'Brien's cousin, loves video games, will probably be posted up watching anime on his phone 

Geoffrey Robeson III

O'Brien's cousin, loves to be creative, will be vibing out and having a good time

Talik Robinson

Kayla's cousin, loves sports, will be the cool dude in the sunglasses

Maverick DeSalvo

Kayla's Cousin, loves puffy dresses, will never want to take her dress off!

Lilah DeSalvo

Kayla's cousin, loves puffy dresses like her sister, will be following her older siblings.

Kinlee DeSalvo

Kayla's Grandmother, loves her grandchildren, will be dancing with Grammy!

Judy Uthe

Kayla's Grandmother, loves crafting, will be singing to The Temptations and Whitney.

Wanda Hodges

Wedding Party

Q + A

We lovingly remember the deceased members of our families. Through the years their guidance, wisdom and love helped shape our lives. We know that they are looking over us to ensure a beautiful wedding ceremony. They will forever be remembered in our memories and prayers and they are forever present in our hearts and in our thoughts. Family & Friends are truly life's greatest treasure. All our Love, Kayla and O’Brien

Linda was a bright light in the family—full of warmth, wisdom, and a no-nonsense spirit that kept us all grounded. She was deeply loved, especially by O’Brien, who shared a special bond with her.Though she passed in 2024 and was unable to witness our engagement, we are grateful that Kayla had the chance to meet her and at that time it was said "I like Kayla, she's nice." Her love, strength, and unwavering support will always be with us, and we will carry her memory into this next chapter of our lives.She may not be with us in person on our wedding day, but we know she is celebrating with us in spirit.

O'Brien's Grandmother Linda

Although she left us earth-side many years ago, Kayla has always felt her by her side from a monarch butterfly to a small annoying fly. Aunt Carol always lived her life to the fullest, whether it was changing her hair color to match the holidays, scrapbooking until her fingers hurt or just laughing with family. Kayla has taken her look on life (although we pass on the changing hair colors) by crafting like Aunt Carol taught her, laughing with family as much as she can and carrying her with her permanently through her personalized monarch tattoo. We miss you every day and know you will be with Kayla as she walks down the aisle.

Kayla's Great Aunt Carol

In Memory Of

Once you search the dates, the discounted rate will be applied. If you do not see the Wilson-Blocker Wedding above the price, you are outside of the wedding block. If you would like to come earlier or leave later, let Kayla know and we can get the prices extended for you. If you would like to book over the phone, please call the number listed on here and let them know you are with the group&nbsp;Wilson/Blocker Wedding&nbsp;staying at the Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Charlotte North on 7230 Smith Corners Blvd. This special pricing is valid up to August 20th, 2025. If you want to stay at this hotel and are booking after this date, the pricing will be their regular rate.

There is a $12 parking fee for each night. This hotel is right across the street from the venue. There will be a shuttle that can bring you to and from the hotel on the wedding day and can pick you up from the airport. These rooms will be held until Monday, August 4th at which point you would have to pay the regular price.

O'Brien & Kayla

O'Brien & Kayla

In Memory Of

O'Brien's Grandmother Linda

Kayla's Great Aunt Carol