Beyond the Hinge Swipe: Franck and Kaylyn’s Journey to a Secret "I Do"

Like many modern love stories, Franck and Kaylyn’s journey began with a simple swipe on Hinge in July of 2021. Their first date took place at Jeni’s Ice Cream Shop in Washington, DC, and the afternoon was quickly filled with easy laughter and an instant connection. Although Kaylyn had originally planned to meet friends for dinner afterward, she was delighted when they postponed, granting her and Franck more time to enjoy each other’s company. Against the backdrop of one of their favorite cities, their initial chemistry blossomed into something truly magical.

Kaylyn and Franck’s wedding at Diamond Creek Farms was a joyful celebration of love, family, and heritage filled with meaningful traditions and unforgettable moments. While guests gathered expecting to witness the couple say “I do,” the officiant surprised everyone by revealing a secret known only to their immediate family: the two had already exchanged vows in private. The emotional announcement set the tone for a day centered on what mattered most, celebrating not only their union but the community that had poured into their relationship. See all of the stunning details of their Tennessee wedding, captured by Phylicia Willis Media.

Bride: Kaylyn Ouattara, 31, Consultant

Groom: Franck Ouattara, 31, Investment Banker

Photography By: Phylicia Willis Media

Place of Residence: Brooklyn, New York

Wedding Date: September 21, 2025

Wedding Location: Diamond Creek Farms in Nashville, TN

Honeymoon Destination: We did a brief minimoon in Florida, but have aspirations to take a longer honeymoon in the next year.

Briefly tell us about your wedding experience and how the both of you felt on your big day.

The wedding day was what dreams are made of. We chose to get married in Nashville, where Kaylyn’s family is from, and it was the perfect place to celebrate the coming together of our cultures. Franck is from West Africa, and Kaylyn is American with deep roots in the South. Every detail of the day reflected who we are.

The music spanned the globe, from inviting a kora player to bring west african sounds to the DJ weaving in francophone West African classics to Whitney Houston and Beyoncé. We love food, so it was important to showcase our cultures through the menu as well. We had Maryland crab cakes for Kaylyn’s dad roots in Maryland, peanut sauce, to represent Franck’s culture, and lots of yummy southern fare. And, of course, we had to end the night with ice cream sandwiches to satisfy Kaylyn’s sweet tooth and pay homage to our first date.

Throughout the day, French and English blended seamlessly, from cocktail hour to the dance floor. Above all, we truly believe that God brought us together, so it was important to honor Him through our ceremony, which was officiated by Kaylyn’s uncle, a pastor. We ate, drank, danced, and laughed into the wee hours of the night, surrounded by the people we love most.

Wedding song, and the significance of the song: “So Amazing” by Beyonce and Stevie Wonder. We just wanted a song that we could get lost and groove to.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple? We are looking forward to building on the foundation of our relationship, adventuring around the world together, laughing with our families and friends, and continuing to learn from one another as we each grow. Most immediately we are excited for another summer in Brooklyn where we can eat at good restaurants, walk through the filled streets, and have lots of park hangs with friends and family. We are milking our DINK years!