Jeff & Cassey | Summer Wedding at Lakeside Venues in McClellandtown, PA

Jeff & Cassey had only been dating for 4 months when Jeff bought an engagement ring.
When you know – you know.

He might have bought the ring very quickly, but that doesn’t mean that he then proposed equally fast. Life took a few unexpected turns & Jeff decided that it was best to wait for the perfect moment to propose.

Jeff’s family does a big Disney vacation every other year & they travel down in January to run the string of marathons that Disney hosts. 2019 was a Disney year & Cassey traveled with Jeff & his family down to Florida for vacation. Jeff desperately wanted to propose at Disney, but ultimately he decided that it would be best to wait until they were home, as he wanted to include both of their families in the big moment.

A few more weeks passed & Jeff finally set his plans into motion.

He & Cassey love escape rooms. They are obsessed with them – so it seemed the perfect opportunity for Jeff to gather their closest friends & family (without garnering too much suspicion on Cassey’s part) & pop the question.

With the help of the escape room staff & Cassey’s sister (who visited the escape room a week prior – which Cassey notes should have tipped her off, because why would her sister do an escape room, only to want to return a week later to do the same room?) Jeff planned an evening to go visit an escape room with Cassey & a few of their friends.

They actually beat the room super fast – and as they were finishing up, the staff asked the group if they had any additional questions.

And this is where the story gets a smidge hazy. Cassey says that Jeff responded: “No.”
But, then she turned around & noticed that their families were walking in. Completely confused, she looked at them & said, “Wait, what are you doing here?” To which they all nonchalantly replied: “Oh, we just decided to stop by.”
Jeff says that he responded to the question: “Yes.”

And as Cassey turned back around from seeing their families arrive, Jeff was down on one knee, stating: “Cassey, I have a question for you.”
Well, you can guess what the question was & what Cassey’s answer was.

This past Friday was the big day. We watched the weather all week & though rain was predicted all day long, it barely sprinkled on our drive from the church to the park where we did portraits. I am obsessed with the pale blue color Cassey chose for her bridesmaids to wear – in a sea of navy blues & blushes – I love that Cassey & Jeff picked something a little different. The entire day was perfect from start to finish.

Jeff & Cassey – I just love you guys. When people talk about “soulmates”, it’s perfectly obvious that that’s what you both are for each other. I’m not sure if it’s the sweet looks back & forth, how you make each other laugh, or how incredibly at ease you are with each other – it’s just plain as day that you were made for each other. Your friends & family obviously adore you & it’s so easy to see why – you’re both so friendly & welcoming (both Darcie & I literally felt like members of your family on Friday). It was my absolute privilege to celebrate with you!!

Alright well, I just about died when I saw this image that Darcie (my amazing second shooter) captured of Jeff & Cassey’s son, Liam! Dead – I’m just dead – look at this handsome dude & his bowtie & his big blue eyes!!

I always love when I arrive at a church and am told that we can utilize the balcony – I mean, how epic is this?!

We stopped at Cedar Creek Park in Belle Vernon on our way from the church to the reception. We found the perfect little corner for portraits – I could have shot here all day long!

And then it was on to Lakeside Venues for the reception!

Okay, I have to stop & rave about this cake – isn’t it incredible? Cakes by Colby truly outdid herself!!

Instead of a photobooth, Jeff & Cassey had a caricature artist at their reception! I could have stood & watched him draw all night long – he was absolutely incredible!

How’s this for one of the most epic grand entrances ever?! I LOVE it! More couples need to do confetti guns during their grand entrances!

Jeff & Cassey did the traditional ending to the bridal dance – where the groom has to break into the circle to rescue his bride. Jeff had a really great idea climbing onto his giant of a friend’s back – intending to simply plow right thru – but he was still thwarted!! Well done to all of Jeff & Cassey’s friends & family for keeping her very safe!!

After all the excitement of the bridal dance, bouquet & garter toss, we snuck out for a few sunset photos (which actually ended up being blue-light photos). It’s always so nice to step away from the party for just a few minutes to breathe & relax & soak in the fact that they’re officially married!

We couldn’t stay away from the party for too long though – the dance floor was hopping all night long!

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Jeff & Cassey’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony Venue: Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin, PA
Reception Venue: Lakeside Venues in McClellandtown, PA
Portrait Location: Cedar Creek Park in Belle Vernon, PA
Catering: Jerry’s Catering Service in Republic, PA
Cake: Cakes by Colby in North Huntingdon, PA
Florals: Brides & Butterflies in Irwin, PA
Hair & Makeup: Pure Indulgence Salon in Mt. Pleasant, PA
Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid’s Gowns: MB Bride in Greensburg, PA
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: MB Bride in Greensburg, PA
Transportation: Vogue Limousines in Jeannette, PA
DJ: DJ Sean Nice in Uniontown, PA
Assistant Photographer: Darcie Lindsay Photography in Pittsburgh, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA