Cassie & Ryan at Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge

Cassie and Ryan were set up on their first date, but it turned out they were connected before they even knew each other. Cassie had Ryan’s cousin in class during her first year of teaching! Their first date lasted for hours and they talked until the restaurant closed. Cassie said she knew she and Ryan had something special after spending a day in the city together, Christmas shopping and just enjoying the day. “As we walked, I realized that I wanted to spend all of my days with Ryan. It was such an easy feeling—we could both be ourselves, nothing ever felt complicated, and being with Ryan felt like home to me,” Cassie shared.

After getting engaged in Cuba, Cassie and Ryan decided to plan a classic, timeless celebration that was a reflection of them both individually and as a couple. They started with a black and white color palette, adding in pops of blush throughout the décor. Traveling is one of the most important aspects of the couple’s life together, so they made sure to include the motif in several different ways. They featured a globe for guests to sign as a guest book, displayed pictures of them on different trips and used a vintage suitcase to collect cards.

Cassie and Ryan personalized every aspect of their Big Day, from the song choices to the sweet treats from bakeries in St. Louis where Cassie grew up. Although they wed in a traditional Catholic mass, they specifically chose the readings, songs and wrote their own petitions to reflect what they felt was truly important. Cassie made sure to include her dad in a special way as well by sewing a heart cut from one of his police work shirts into the back of her wedding gown.

Looking back on their wedding day, Cassie and Ryan each had some special moments they especially treasured. Ryan loved coming back to the hotel after taking pictures and having a few minutes to be alone with Cassie to really soak in the day. “The entire day is my favorite memory!” Cassie gushed, but eventually narrowed down her list to a few key moments:  getting ready with her bridesmaids and family, walking down the aisle with her dad, spending a few minutes along with Ryan after the ceremony and seeing everyone they cared about not only being there to celebrate, but having such a fun time.

Number of Wedding Guests: 250

Vendor List:

Ceremony Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge

Photography: Sandra Armenteros Photography

Videography: Tripp Street Media

Officiants: Father Jim Deiters; Father Michael Gabriel

Wedding Rings: Lordo’s Diamonds

Engagement Ring: Martin & Martin, Inc. Jewelers

Bride’s Gown: Maggie Sottero via Mia Grace Bridal

Bride’s Shoes: Nina

Hair & Makeup: Yes Ma’am Hair and Makeup

Bride’s Other Jewelry: Lordo’s Diamonds

Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse

Groom’s Accessories: Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Mia Grace Bridal

Stationery: Vistaprint

Floral & Décor: MKuzma Designs

Catering: Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge

Entertainment:  Ring of Music Band & Orchestra

Cake & Sweets: Missouri Baking Company; Vitale’s Bakery; Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge

Transportation: Elite Chicago Limo