About 15 years ago Peter introduced me to his new friend Casey who he had met at school. Casey and I immediately hit it off – constantly finding things that we had in common – and generally being excited about everything. There's a certain feeling attached to new friendships when you're in your early 20s. For me it was exciting to know that I could find new people to be close friends with who I hadn't known since elementary school. Casey was absolutely one of those people for me and for Peter (let us not forget that Peter & her were friends first).
Casey moved up to Boston for school and we made sure to stay in touch. When Peter decided to move up to Boston for school as well, it was Casey who showed us around and helped in Peter's search for an apartment. When I moved up to Boston myself a year or so later, it was Casey who helped me find my first part-time position at a photographer's studio. That job led to my next job - which led to the life I know am privileged to lead.
Casey is a hub. She's just one of those people. She seems to know everyone and everyone seems to know her. For many, many years whenever we would be out with her she would always (always!) see at least one person she knew. And this could happen in the middle of nowhere. She's a good person and an incredibly good friend.
I remember having dinner with her one night and her casually mentioning this guy she was thinking of asking out. He worked at a local tea shop she frequented. When Casey introduced us to Eli for the first time everything seemed to fit. Casey was the happiest we'd ever seen her, and she was also the most at ease that we'd seen. They made sense from moment one. We couldn't help but fall into an easy friendship with Eli. He is the kindest soul I have ever met (I truly mean that).
Together they are a force to be reckoned with, for sure. Most recently they traveled parts of the world together for 10 months, which you can read about on their blog. When they arrived back to the States they were moving to a new city on the West Coast (boo.) and they were engaged (yay!)
Without a place to live, or permanent jobs at the moment, they went about planning their wedding in a short 3 months. The venue was Casey's beautiful home in North New Jersey. The ceremony was held in their backyard – right in the area where Casey & her sister's swing set used to be. The reception was on their lawn where they set up a tent and dance floor. They had the meal catered, but everything else was designed, created and put together by the two of them – with much help from their family & friends.
The entire day was beautiful. Everything looked great, but along with that was a feeling of love, friendship and appreciation for everyone who was there. Genuine is the word that comes to mind. Every piece to their day felt like it belonged. It all fit together to create a genuine experience for everyone who was there to witness it.
A few (of the many) details, in no particular order:
- The invitations & menus were designed by Eli. He's a graphic designer and you can check out his work on his website.
- Their "guest book" will be created from pieces of fabric that were dyed by tea that each guest steeped. The tea was purchased from the tea shop where they met.
- The table numbers were painted by Morgan, Casey's sister. The pieces of wood they used were old shingles from Casey's Grandparent's house.
- Casey's Grandparents used to live next door - and their backyard is where Casey's parents were married (love that!).
- All the chalkboard signs were drawn by Casey's sister Morgan. Those chalkboards have been seen at Bonnie & Burton's wedding (remember them?) – and our wedding too!
- The mis-matched plates have been used at Bonnie & Burton's wedding, our wedding, our friend's Kelsie & Doug's wedding - and the journey of the plates all began with a couple I've never met, Elena & Matthew. FYI - they're for sale right now. Let me know if you want them!
- Eli wore a tie of his Grandfather's and a belt that used to be his Father's.
- Casey's bouquet was made of fennel that her friend Ardea arranged (so beautiful).
- Ardea's Mom made C&E's favors – from scratch. She made many different jams (Grape, Blackberry, Lemon Blueberry) from fruit she grew in her garden, canned them herself, and made the labels too.
- They made the candle holders and menu holders from pieces of wood found on the property – as well as the ring holders Eli's nephews carried during the ceremony.
- They also made yarn balls which they added to greenery for an awesome look and a punch of color on each of the tables. Eli's niece carried a bouquet of them during the ceremony.
- Their ceremony was one of the most personal and beautiful that I've witnessed.
- Cutest moment was when Eli's brother and niece sang the song his niece had come up with when Casey & Eli recently visited them. Everyone joined in and sang along. The words are "Casey & Eli you are awesome. Casey & Eli you are awesome." Sung to the tune of The ABCs.
- and lastly, Casey & Eli, along with a lot of their guests, camped out the night of the wedding. A perfect way to end the day after an EPIC dance party.
Here's to Casey & Eli taking on another adventure together – and to many, many more in their future! We love you guys.
