Tyler and Cassie in the Valentina
Cassie and Tyler's relationship starts as any good love story does, as friends. As time went on, the couple realized how many similarities they had. Before dating, it seemed like no matter where life took them, when they drifted apart somehow life always brought them back to each other.
The Love Story
Cassie and Tyler met on the brick streets of their college campus in Athens, Ohio. Their relationship starts as any good love story does, as friends. As time went on, the couple realized how many similarities they had."Before we were dating, it seemed like no matter where life took us, when we drifted apart, somehow life always brought us back to each other," Cassie shares.
Years into the relationship, Tyler could not wait to ask for Cassie's hand. The proposal unfolded right in the living room of their Michigan home. "I had been traveling a lot that summer, and he just couldn't wait any longer," she shares. Tyler even planned a surprise engagement party for them to share the news with their best friends.
A Backyard Summer Wedding in Columbus, Ohio
Tyler and Cassie exchanged vows just outside of Columbus, Ohio. The couple envisioned their wedding theme to be bubbly, upbeat, and down-to-earth. When they visited Blystone Farm, they fell in love with the beautiful sunset views, the hydrangeas all around the property, and the vision of dancing the night away outside under the string lights.
The venue exuded a 'backyard summer garden party' style and was a perfect match with the couple’s style. Rustic yet elegant, the venue had everything to leave a lasting impression. "Aside from marrying my best friend in the whole world, we really loved having all of our favorite people together, all in the same place," the bride shares.
With two families living in different states, gathering them all together felt meaningful to the couple. A memorable moment for Cassie was when she got ready in her childhood home in the morning. “It was so surreal and a ‘full circle’ kind of moment for me”.
Saying ‘Yes’ to the Valentina Gown
Cassie’s very first bridal journey began in our Grace Loves Lace boutique in Ohio. She fell in love with a variety of gowns, however recognizing the need for more time to narrow down her favorites, she went home and pondered. A few weeks later, unable to shake thoughts of the Valentina and Clo gowns, she found herself back at the boutique. The moment she tried on the Valentina gown again, it was instant chemistry. “The team at Grace Loves Lace just made the process so effortless and special,” she shares.
She didn't feel rushed or intimidated, and the team were helpful in finding the style she was looking for. Cassie had a clear vision of wanting a dress that provided comfort, a light and airy feel, and the Valentina gown perfectly met the criteria. She was even more convinced when she noticed the thigh split and elegant tie at the back, adding versatility to cinch the waist in various ways. “It felt so flattering on the body and hugged my skin in all the right places,” she recalls. To complement her bridal look, Cassie decided to wear a Swarovski tennis bracelet and pear-shaped drop earrings.
"The Valentina gown is just so timeless, and it is stunning in the way that the fabric moves in person"
"The Valentina gown is just so timeless, and it is stunning in the way that the fabric moves in person".
Words of Wisdom
Cassie’s words of wisdom for all Grace brides are to soak up every second of the process. "There will definitely be times when you are stressed or can't wait for the wedding day to be here, but being engaged is such a sweet time of life, so enjoy every moment with your husband-to-be!" she shares.
