From Palm Springs to Disney, and Going Big in Asheville, NC.
What is an Adventure Couple?
Cassia and Matthew are the epitome of an adventure couple, from eloping in Palm Springs, to going big in Asheville, NC. We first met for their winery engagement session, which is where I first learned that Cassia and Matthew weren’t like most brides/grooms. Cassia’s engagement ring alone from Tiffany and Company’s Paloma Picasso collection shows you just how unique they are. You can see that ring in their engagement session. I was then invited to shoot their elopement session in Palms Springs, which was featured in The White Wren, yay! Cassia and Matthew continued the fun even more in Disney Land, which may just change the way you see the wonderful world of Disney- it’s actually very romantic! With all these amazing shoots together, it was no surprise that they threw one heck of a big party in Asheville, NC for a nice finale to their nuptials.
Their Story
Matthew and Cassia met through a work function – in a young professional group for leadership. As a couple, they love to travel, ski, surf, kick-box, bike, hike, and just about anything else outdoors. You can see why I call them the ultimate adventure couple. They love to see the world and experience different cultures and cuisines, and have a HUGE love of Disney. They are Disney Annual Passholders and love spending weekends at the parks catching up with their friends. By the way, Matthew does an amazing Mickey Mouse impression and shares a birthday with Walt Disney!
Popping the Question
Matthew proposed to Cassia in Munich. She was traveling to a trade show for work and they decided to extend the trip a few days to do some personal traveling. One night, Matthew had planned a dinner out and they strolled through the downtown plaza where the Berlin Radio Tour lights up at night. While they strolled under the stars and city lights, he really shared how much he loved Cassia and while looking up at the tower, Matthew got down on one knee and popped the question.
Adventure with Heart
I’m not usually one to go gaga over jewelry, but Cassia’s engagement ring has always spoken to me. It’s not just because of the ring’s unique design, but also it’s story. On one of their travel adventures, Matthew and Cassia got the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to visit a child they’ve long sponsored, Angela. After years of sponsoring through Compassion International, they finally got to meet in person and take Angela and her dad to a local amusement park in Guatemala City. The next day, Matthew and Cassia adventured to Antigua, the home of the world’s only source of blue and lavender shades of Jade. They fell in love with the ring and its six shades of jade featured in the infinity shape design. Cassia and Matthew say that they will forever remember their love and mission together with this ring.
There’s Always Room For More
I think it is so cool to see a couple give so much time to celebrate their decision to marry. Through all the shoots we’ve had, none felt like “too much” or like they were just doing what they thought was “supposed to be done.” They did it their way. Each decision to celebrate, whether it be just the two of them, a few friends, or any and all loved ones- was done with joy. Marriage is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life, and when it comes to celebrating that choice, Cassia and Matthew teach us that there’s always room for more!
Beauty in the Hurdles
The impact of the pandemic on couples planning their big day cannot be overstated, but Cassia and Matthew were quick to make important decisions surrounding the matter. They came up with he idea to have their ceremony live streamed, with a closed guest count of ten per the CDC safety recommendations. “We can do the reception in 2021” they said, beautifully adding that “we didn’t postpone the love – but we postponed the party!”
What I think is so amazing about their decision is that it offered a unique opportunity. During their ceremony in Palm Springs, they created a capsule, and they opened that capsule one year later at their big celebration in Asheville, NC. How special is that?
