Nick & Casey // DIY Backyard Fall Wedding

The first time Casey & Nick officially met, was at the Rava Family Home.
After 11 months, Nick proposed, on the Rava Family Property.
And almost 2 years later, Casey & Nick tied the knot, in a tent, with a stunning view of Ridgebury Lake – on the Rava Family Property, right down the hill from the Rava Family Home.

You simply cannot hear Casey & Nick’s story and tell me that land isn’t important. That it doesn’t hold precious memories. And that it doesn’t bring family together.

From that first “official” introduction, Nick was smitten with Casey. Even though it wasn’t “love at first sight” and they didn’t “immediately hit it off”, he simply could not stop thinking about her. So, when they began chatting a few weeks later, it was pretty obvious to everyone around what was happening.

The summer after Casey got snowed in at the Rava House, they’d been officially dating for almost a year. Casey is super into pictures & she kept telling Nick that she wanted to have some “official” portraits taken of them. The typical guy, Nick isn’t super into pictures and he kept shrugging the idea off. Until he had a lightbulb moment & the perfect plan came together for him to propose.

Casey’s best friend Sarah (who is also Nick’s sister-in-law) does a bit of photography and Nick got together with her to help with his plan. Unknown to Casey, Sarah was, of course, all in. Secretly & sneakily, they set their plan into motion.

Sarah posted on her Facebook Page that she would be shooting her very first wedding in a few weeks. With that super important event looming, she was looking for a cute couple to “model” for her – allowing her to practice for the wedding. Casey saw the status & immediately volunteered her & Nick (without even asking Nick if he was okay with it)! Unknown to Casey, Sarah had set the status so that only 2 people would see it: Casey & Nick. Casey was simply playing perfectly into their plan.

The day of the photoshoot arrived. They trekked all over the Rava Family Property, stopping in picturesque spots to take pictures. Casey was having the time of her life. She & Nick were so enjoying playing the role of “bride & groom”.

Right in the middle of the shoot, Casey turned around to find Nick down on one knee. For a moment, she played along, saying, “This is fake, right? We’re still practicing for the wedding?” And then it dawned on her that the proposal happens before the wedding – “Wait, is this real?!” As the moment began to sink in, she melted into a puddle as Nick asked her to be his bride – for real – and to spend the rest of her life with him.

She said yes.

This past Saturday was the perfect day for a wedding. It was dry, warm, and sunshiny-glorious. Casey was gorgeous – absolutely stunning – and Nick was handsome. Both were obviously crazy anxious to see each other, but as soon as they were holding hands during the ceremony, a peace came over both of their faces. If any two people were ever meant to be, it’s Casey & Nick. They are simply happier, more whole, and totally at peace when they are with each other. It’s breath-taking.

Casey & Nick: obviously I love you guys. Casey, I’ve known you for almost 10 years (wow that makes us old) and I always knew that you’d marry a super special guy. Nick is 110% that guy. My heart threatened to burst all day Saturday at seeing you both so beautiful, so happy, and so in love. I wish y’all every single ounce of happiness – I know y’all are going to do amazing things!

Can we just talk about Casey’s dress? Her Mom made the whole thing by hand. What?! It was gorgeous & fit Casey so beautifully! What an incredible work of love from a Mama to her daughter that I’m sure will be passed down for generations to come!

Look at these girls!! Every single one of them absolutely adores Casey. They are officially the largest group of bridesmaids I’ve ever photographed!!

Did I mention that Casey was stunning – because she was drop dead gorgeous!!

Look at these flower girls!! Such show-stealers!

Remember how I said that Ridgebury Lake was gorgeous – check out this view!

Nick – I’m totally digging the facial hair dude – keep it up!

The Rava Family dog was the ring bearer!

I love this. Nicole was the oldest flower girl & you can only imagine the impression this wedding left on her. She will absolutely remember it & always look up to her Aunt Casey & Uncle Nick and their marriage.

Love those first few moments post-ceremony!!

Could these two get any cuter? Or look any happier? Or be any more in love?

The brand new Mr. & Mrs. Nick Rava!

Mr. Erick Murtland doubled as a groomsmen and the DJ. Not an easy task, but he pulled it off with ease & kept the dance floor hopping (while getting into the fun himself as well)!

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

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Rava Family Private Residence
DJ & Uplighting: Erick Murtland – Ultimate Sound DJ in Sayre, PA
Catering: Irwin’s Fine Food in Utica, NY
Cake & Desserts: Homemade by Grace Rava
Bridal Florals: Lori Gross in Texas
Bridesmaids Bouquets & Centerpieces: Wegmans in Elmira, NY
Bridal Gown: Handmade by the bride’s Mom
Bridesmaids Gowns: David’s Bridal
Makeup: Ulta in Elmira, NY
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Vistaprint
Favors: DIY by the bride & groom
Photobooth: Ultimate Sound DJ in Sayre, PA
Bride’s Ring Designer: Two Birch
Groom’s Ring Designer: Blue Nile
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA