How did you meet?
We met in high school at a local rodeo. We were very different people back then so it didn’t really work out, but 10 years later we reconnected over Cassie’s love of Disney and the rest was history. We began formally dating May of 2020.
Tell us about your engagement.
We got engaged December 17, 2022. We were at the Snowy Peaks Tree Farm in Foresthill cutting down a tree, when Casey popped the question with a rhinestone ceramic tomato ring box.
We went to the snow looking for a tree, the ground covered in pristine white snow and the blue sky were perfect. We searched for a while before deciding on the perfect one. As Casey finished cutting the tree, he handed it to Cassie to hold and he cleaned up the stump. He then shouted, “Hey babe, I found a tomato!” I responded, “How did you find a tomato out here, we are in the snow! I turned around and there he was on one knee in the snow with a rhinestone tomato and the most beautiful Neil Lane engagement ring. Of course I said yes!!
Then I lost my footing which led me to be turtled on my back in a hole, and we laughed so hard we couldn’t breathe. It was the most magically perfect moment. Just us, no one else. No pictures, just memories.
#WeddingGoals
We knew we wanted a party—a wedding that wasn’t just “another wedding” but an event that people would remember. We also knew we wanted a pretzel wall, which was handmade by us; a killer DJ; and great food to enjoy with all of our friends and family. I think we both agree that we got everything we wanted—and more—on our wedding day!
How did planning go?
Planning was smooth given it was a moderately sized wedding at roughly 150 guests. Everything was done over the course of a year and a half so that helped. There is definitely lots of great stress in planning when there are a lot of pieces that have to fit together. I did most of this without the help of a wedding planner. We had great times planning many aspects from picking out flowers, trying food, and selecting music.
The worst moment was dealing with difficult caterers before we found our unicorn of Special Times Catering.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge of wedding planning is creating your budget and sticking to it. It’s really easy to get lost in a hole of all of the expenses and prices that get thrown at you every time you ask for a quote. It can make you feel defeated when you get a quote from a dream vendor and then realize it’s your entire budget.
How was the Ceremony?
Our ceremony was short, sweet and to the point. Our best friend, Chris, was our officiant–he was the split bridemaid/groomsmen, so we put him in the middle! We didn’t do formal vows so it was light and fun. We shared our own personal vowels in private.
Memorable Moments
There were so many! Our favorite by far was our groomsmen and bridesmaids’ entrances featuring our favorite wedding purchase, the fog canon! We had a great time dancing the night away with light up foam sticks, bubble guns and the fog canon.
Any funny or unexpected wedding moments that happened throughout the day?
We told our bridal parties to take on their entrances however they wished and they did not disappoint. They unexpectedly surprised both of us with how clever and funny they were.
A funny moment was during dancing. Everyone was having a great time, but the boys were having so much fun with the fog canon–a little too much fun–that they froze over half the tank, no more fog for them!
Special Dances:
First Dance: Dance with You by Brett Young
Family Dances: Slipping Through My Fingers by Meryl Streep & Amanda Seyfried (Father/Daughter), and All to You by Scott Keo (Mother/Son)
Last Dance: I Cross My Heart by George Straight
Special Dance: I Loved Her First by Heartland (Grandmother/Granddaughter in honor of late grandfather)
What was the best part of your day?
Bride: My favorite part of the day besides marrying my best friend was sitting at dinner looking out at all that we had accomplished, and all the friends and family that traveled to celebrate with us.
Groom: The fog cannon!
Cassandra’s Favorite Details
The pheasant’s feathers added into the floral to represent my late grandfather who passed away before getting to walk me down the aisle with my father; and the hidden Mickey Mouse pearls in my hair, and the hidden Mickey Mouse in my bouquet that my floral designers surprised me with.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
The fun, the food, the booze, the dancing!
#VendorRaves
All of our vendors were absolutely wonderful–every single one contributed in more ways than I could ever have imagined. A special shout out to Shandi at Special Times Catering, the entire team at The Palms Venue and Villas, and Chris Frankovich with The Wedding DJ Company. Also, we want to give a special shout out to Tish Martin and owner Dean Labadie, the wonderful team at Strelitzia Flower Company.
Advice from the Couple
Bride: Remember that it is your day and you can have it just as you want. Don’t let people try to talk you into things you don’t want, but expect that with asking for help, people will have their opinions. Facebook Marketplace is your best friend.
Groom: Get a fog cannon!!
