January 5, 2024 | Posted by Emma Zunker

How did you and your partner meet?

Our story began in the heart of Chapel Hill, in one of our favorite spots, Tru. We first crossed paths on a memorable night when Keith was diligently crafting questions for the trivia night he hosted with his friend in town. Cassie walked into the bar with some of her friends who approached Keith and his friend with curiosity regarding the sight of laptops open in a bar late on a Wednesday night. Little did we know that this casual encounter would mark the beginning of our journey together. As they say, the rest is history—an unexpected meeting at Tru that evolved into a beautiful and lifelong connection.

Tell us about the engagement?

We took a trip to the Dominican Republic to celebrate our return back to North Carolina and both of us starting new jobs. One night, we had a private dinner on the beach overlooking the sunset. After dinner, Keith got down on one knee and asked his best friend to spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes, and in a moment of lightheartedness, Keith tried to put the ring on the wrong hand, but thankfully, that amusing misstep only added to the charm of the occasion and didn’t change the resounding “yes.” Our engagement on that picturesque beach became a cherished memory, blending romance and a touch of humor.

 What made Fearrington the place for you to say “I do?”

We enjoyed going to the Fearrington for their high tea service before we even walked the grounds or made any decisions on choosing a venue. When we decided to take a tour around to see if it would be a fit, it was an incredibly quick and easy decision. The stunning gardens played a significant role in our venue selection, and the natural beauty of the surroundings added a romantic and picturesque backdrop to our special day. In addition, the venue’s staff has an excellent reputation, and their professionalism, attention to detail, and friendliness made us feel confident that we would be in good hands on our wedding day.  Above all, we felt at home at the Fearrington. This sense of comfort and ease made the decision to choose the Fearrington as our wedding venue an obvious one.

Describe the highlight moment of your wedding day.

While the obvious highlight was committing to spend the rest of our lives together in front of friends and family, a moment that the two of us shared stands out as a highlight. Once we had been introduced and had done our first dance, we were able to sit down at our sweetheart table. While seated at the sweetheart table, we had the chance to pause, reflect, and take in the magic of the event while watching all of our friends and family milling about the carving stations, talking and laughing together. This was a moment of quiet intimacy amidst the excitement, allowing us both to absorb the energy and happiness that surrounded us.

What was the biggest surprise of the day?

We had two big surprises on our wedding day.  The first, came from our photographer, Krystal Kast. In addition to capturing the special moments with traditional photography, she surprised us by incorporating a drone photographer. This unexpected and creative addition added a new dimension to our wedding memories. The drone photographer provided unique and breathtaking aerial shots, giving us a perspective of our celebration that we hadn’t anticipated. Krystal’s thoughtful surprise enhanced the overall experience and contributed to the uniqueness of our wedding day.

A second delightful surprise on our wedding day was the addition of globe lighting above the dancefloor, a brilliant suggestion from Gilda, the wedding coordinator. During our pre-wedding meeting, Gilda proposed this unique idea to enhance our celestial theme, assuring us that the Fearrington staff would make it look amazing. The final result not only exceeded our expectations but left us and our guests in awe. The globe lighting created a stunning and magical atmosphere, receiving compliments all night. This unexpected touch not only showcased Gilda’s creativity but also highlighted the Fearrington staff’s commitment to making our day extraordinary, making it a standout and memorable element of our celebration.

What was your biggest surprise about wedding planning?

Our biggest surprise during the wedding planning process was how remarkably stress-free the entire experience turned out to be. Despite the common perception that wedding planning can be overwhelming, we found the process to be smooth and enjoyable.  It reinforced the idea that with careful preparation and the right team of professionals, planning a wedding can be a joyful and memorable journey!

 

Photos: Krystal Kast

Hair and Makeup: OnLoKtion Makeup Artistry 

Wedding Gown: Liz Martinez

Bridal Salon: Alexia’s Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Assorted

Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Stationery: BirdHouse197

Ceremony Music: Elegant Ensembles

Reception Music: Bunn Company