How did you and Corey meet?
We met in college. Corey was the teaching assistant for the chemistry class Cassandra was enrolled in.
What do you love birds do?
Both of us are involved with research in Nashville, TN. We currently work in labs at Vanderbilt Univeristy. When we aren't working, we like to go hiking and camping around middle Tennessee or taking a lazy day around our home with our dog and cat.
What is your favorite thing about each other? Share a personal story.
Our favorite thing about one another is we're always ready to turn a mundane event into a fun game. For Christmas one year, instead of just going to the mall to buy each other a gift, we decided to turn it into a game of tag. We both had a set of playing cards, and if one of us tagged the other while walking around the mall, the one who was tagged had to draw a card which would add a dollar amount to the designated base price of the gift. We spent about 3 hours in the mall that day and walked about 5 miles, but it was a lot of fun!
How did the proposal go? Who proposed to who, were you surprised?
We took a last-minute trip to Chattanooga for memorial day weekend in 2017. We found an Airbnb that had a campsite on their property, so it was kind of a camping trip. The first full day we were there, we went to Ruby Falls, Rock City, had lunch and hung out by the river. While laying by the river, Corey asked if I wanted to marry him. I wasnt surprised because I knew he had a ring, I knew he packed the ring for the trip, and he was acting squirrely the whole day. I loved that it was a private, quiet moment between the two of us (three if you count our dog).
Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
Our ceremony was in the Westin hotel. We wanted a place that was close to the river for an easy second line, and the room we had had a beautiful view of the river.
Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
We had our reception on the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler. I knew I wanted to have something fun and unique for our reception because I thought it would best reflect us as a couple. I couldn't deny that a paddlewheeler would be a fun adventure for our mostly out of town guests!
What unique or special things did you do at the reception?
We did a second line parade from the Westin to the Creole Queen Paddleboat! A lot of our guests have never done a second line or even knew what a second line was. Everyone had a blast!
Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
Corey's favorite moment was when Cassandra walked down the aisle to the string quartet version of Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. She hadn't told anyone before the ceremony what song she would walk down the aisle to, so I was giggling the entire time.
Cassandra's favorite moment was the first look. Leading up to the wedding, I wasnt feeling a lot of nerves or excitement. It didnt feel real yet. A lot of emotions hit me all at once as soon as I saw the back of his head because all of a sudden, it was a real.
Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
I didnt think the ceremony went by very fast, but the reception was over in the blink of an eye! We were able to catch up with a lot of guests we dont see very often, so that was really nice!
What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
We just liked the colors
From the Bride - When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
Oh man. I just couldn't believe I was finally marrying this man after almost 7 years. It hit me all at once that we will be spending the rest of our lives together and I couldn't wait.
From the groom - When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
She was stunning. I know because I was stunned. I knew she would be wearing her mom's wedding dress from the 80s and thought I knew what to expect, but seeing her really blew me away.
Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
We got an almond cake with pineapple filling and buttercream icing from Swiss Confectionary. It was absolutely delicious! But does not feel nice when its shoved up your nose...
Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
We did a first look and loved it! It really helped to settle any nerves or get all of the big emotions out of the way. We also read each other notes of what we mean to each other. It was nice to have a private moment together to tell each other how much we love and appreciate one another.
Did you have a coordinator or did you plan everything yourself? If you didn't have a coordinator any advice for brides planning their own wedding?
We planned everything ourselves. I would say to give yourself plenty of time to research and plan, and have a person by your side that day that does well in high stress situations. My mom and one of my bridesmaids was really good at solving problems and asking me what I needed to keep everything under control.
What was your first dance song? Why this song?
Our first dance was to Led Zeppelins song Thank You. Led Zeppelin is one of our favorite bands, and Thank You is one of their only love songs. The lyrics mirror a lot of sentiments we've said to each other throughout our relationship, so it felt appropriate.
Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
We had a DJ and he was fantastic!
We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
It's okay to stand firm on your decisions or choices when others have different opinions. This day is for you and your fiance, and should best represent your relationship or what you want your day to look like.
Anything else you want to say?
Corine and Kacie did a fantastic job photographing the day! Even though it was the first time we met in person, they made us feel so comfortable and relaxed. We cant wait to see all of the final images they captured!
Location: 1 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130.