A Texas couple who chose to save their first kiss for their wedding day is shedding light on the reasons behind their decision, despite facing significant criticism online. They insist that their choice was ultimately worthwhile.

Kaytlin and Drew Brown, both aged 22, initially bonded as best friends during high school. Their friendship evolved into a romantic relationship in January 2021.

As devout non-denominational Christians, the couple made a conscious decision to abstain from sex until they were married. Soon after, they also decided to refrain from kissing, concerned that it might lead to further physical intimacy.

“Given that physical touch is our primary love language, we wanted to approach our relationship boundaries with wisdom,” Kaytlin shared in an interview with the Daily Mail.

She emphasized the importance of discussing and establishing clear boundaries to safeguard the physical aspects of their relationship, explaining how crucial it was to their commitment to each other.

‘We discerned that for our relationship, it was crucial to talk about and lay a foundation of protection on the physical element. 

‘We decided that kissing could be a gateway that leads to physical intimacy that we wanted to save for marriage.’

While she said their families have been nothing but supportive of their decision, they’ve faced immense pushback online over it.

Kaytlin and Drew Brown, both 22, from Texas, decided to wait until their wedding day to have their first kiss

The two tied the knot earlier this month, and moments after they said their ‘I Dos,’ they locked lips for the first time as 160 of their friends and family members watched on

‘People have had a lot of different opinions about our relationship and asked so many questions,’ she reflected.

‘But honestly, Drew and I love getting to answer those questions and share insight into our relationship, as well as the why behind our decision to wait on kissing and physical intimacy until marriage.’

The two tied the knot earlier this month, and moments after they said their ‘I Dos,’ they locked lips for the first time as 160 of their friends and family members watched on.

And Kaytlin said waiting for their big day to kiss made the moment so ‘special.’

‘Our wedding day was truly magical – one of the best days of our lives,’ she gushed.

‘When we finally shared our first kiss, the eruption from the crowd was unlike anything I’ve ever heard.

‘So many people told us afterward that they had never heard a crowd cheer and scream that loudly for a first kiss – it was truly unforgettable. It’s a moment I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.’

Aside from the hate on the internet, she said the only other downside to waiting was how ‘challenging’ it was to resist one another at times. 

While she said their families have been nothing but supportive of their decision, they’ve faced immense pushback online over it

Aside from the hate on the internet, she said the only other downside to waiting was how ‘challenging’ it was to resist one another at times

‘Drew and I love each other so deeply, so of course we had the desire to be physically affectionate while dating and engaged,’ she admitted. 

‘But the pros far outweighed the cons. Now, with a bird’s-eye view, I can confidently say I wouldn’t have done anything differently. 

‘I look back on our relationship with zero regrets – it was so incredibly worthwhile, and I love that waiting was part of our story.’

It was so hard they decided not to ever be home alone together, as Kaytlin explained, ‘This was another way we tried to implement boundaries to pursue purity in our relationship.’

Kaytlin hopes that their story might encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

‘Convictions and boundaries can look so different from couple to couple,’ she concluded.

‘We are by no means perfect, but we are so passionate about encouraging others that no matter your past or story, if you want to set emotional or physical boundaries in your relationship, you absolutely deserve a partner who respects that.’