Real Wedding: Childhood Sweethearts Marry in Lincoln
Caitlin and Brad Zealand met as teenagers at a party in Lincoln in 2012. Thirteen years later, they chose the exact same date to become husband and wife — after 4,747 days together
For Caitlin and Brad Zealand, choosing a wedding date wasn’t really a choice at all. When the Lincoln couple worked out how long they had been together, the total came to exactly 4,747 days — and rather than pick a fresh date on the calendar, they married on the anniversary of the one that started it all.
A Relationship Built on Coincidence
Both born and raised in Lincoln, the couple first met as teenagers at a party in June 2012. Naturally shy and reserved, neither expected much to come of it, but a few weeks later Brad asked Caitlin to be his girlfriend. Thirteen years on, almost to the day, they returned to that same date to marry.
The coincidence ran through the whole celebration. Reception tables were numbered with a year from the relationship, each carrying a photograph from that particular chapter of their lives together.
The Proposal in Welton
Brad proposed in 2017 at the couple’s home in Welton. Knowing Caitlin preferred something intimate over elaborate, he set the scene with candles before getting down on one knee. The ring was a classic diamond solitaire with diamond shoulders, chosen to suit Caitlin’s understated style. Despite becoming engaged several years before the big day, the couple deliberately held off planning the wedding until they had bought a home together.
Getting Ready: Dress, Suits and Suppliers
Caitlin found her dress at Jayne’s Bridalwear in Lincoln in October 2023, trying on a dozen gowns before settling on a Mori Lee design, paired with a veil she loved so much she wore it for the entire day and evening. Her bridesmaids — Maid of Honour Chloe, plus Lisa, Abbie, Alex and Tash — were given free rein to choose their own dresses, on one condition: different shades of pink. Hair styling came courtesy of Chloe Harrison, with Bec Marshall on makeup.
Brad, his groomsmen (Best Man Rhys, plus Rob and Liam) and the couple’s two sons, Theodore and Zachary, who took on page boy duties, were all suited by House of Cavani in Lincoln.
A Day Built by Local Suppliers
Reception tables were numbered with a year from their relationship, each one carrying a photograph from that chapter of their lives together.
The wedding leaned heavily on Lincolnshire talent: flowers and styling from Ruby & Co Events, a wedding cake from family friend Holly, lawn games from Emma Lane Designs, and a photobooth from Booth & Beyond. Violinist and singer Sophie Jane provided the ceremony and reception music, Charlotte Frisby filmed the day, and Holly Bryan and James Smith handled photography.
The Moment Everyone Remembers
Not every wedding-day mishap becomes a treasured memory, but Caitlin and Brad’s did. Partway through his vows, Brad accidentally referred to himself as “John” — a slip that had the room laughing and has remained a running joke between the couple a year on.
The first dance was equally personal: the couple choreographed it themselves to an acoustic version of “With Me” by Sum 41. Caitlin and Brad say they’re especially grateful to their bridesmaids and groomsmen for their support throughout both the planning and the day itself.
[IMAGE: caitlin-brad-lincoln-wedding-portrait.jpg — Caption: Caitlin and Brad Zealand on their wedding day near Lincoln. Image: Holly Bryan Photography.]
[IMAGE: caitlin-brad-wedding-ceremony-vows.jpg — Caption: The couple exchange vows during their ceremony. Image: Holly Bryan Photography.]
[IMAGE: caitlin-brad-wedding-confetti-exit.jpg — Caption: Caitlin and Brad walk out to confetti after the ceremony. Image: Holly Bryan Photography / James Smith Photography.]
FAQ
Q: How long were Caitlin and Brad together before marrying?
A: The Lincoln couple met in June 2012 and married in July last year, after exactly 4,747 days together — choosing their wedding date to fall on the anniversary of when they started dating.
Q: Where did Caitlin buy her wedding dress?
A: She found her Mori Lee gown at Jayne’s Bridalwear in Lincoln, trying on a dozen dresses before deciding.
Q: Who photographed the wedding?
A: Holly Bryan Photography and James Smith Photography.
Q: Where can I find wedding suppliers in Lincolnshire?
A: This real wedding used a wide range of local suppliers, from florists to entertainment:
Photography: Holly Bryan Photography, www.hollybryanphotography.co.uk.
Also: James Smith Photography, www.jamessmithphotography.co.uk.
Wedding Dress: Mori Lee at Jayne’s Bridalwear, Lincoln, 01522 244082, www.jaynesbridalwear.co.uk.
Flowers & Venue Styling: Ruby & Co Events, 07519 369682, www.rubyandcoevents.com
Wedding Cake: Holly (bespoke wedding cakes)
Videography: Charlotte Frisby, www.charlottefrisby.co.uk.
Photobooth: Booth & Beyond, boothandbeyond.co.uk.
Entertainment/Styling: Emma Lane Designs, emmalanedesigns.co.uk, Total Printz, totalprintz.co.uk.
Ceremony & Reception Music: Sophie Jane Musician, www.sophiejanemusic.co.uk.
