Casey and Rachel's love story, as told by Casey for our 2012 Most romantic couple contest.
I still remember it like it was yesterday, I was fifteen years old, spending the evening where I spent the majority of my time in my father’s Tae Kwon Do studio. I lived for training, hated teaching, but it was a necessary evil to teach for an hour before I got my time to train. The night was normal as could be, I ran our kids through warm ups then sent them to get water exactly as I did every night, looking at the clock seemingly after every stretch or push-up.
“Hey Case!” My dad shouted from across the room. I can’t even begin to imagine what sort of look I had on my face, I don’t even want to know, and I just hope she didn’t see it. My dad could have kicked me in the side of the head and I think it would have less of an impact.
There stood the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my life, encouraging her shy little brother to come and give this martial arts thing a try. I’m an extremely confident(some use other words to describe it) individual, but in that moment I was smack dab in the unfamiliar territory I like to refer to as “flabbergasted.” I immediately straightened out my uniform, which was wrinkled and undoubtedly smelt like sweat. “Do I stink like sweat?” I asked my friend Matt before making my way across the room. Of course I smelt like sweat, it was Friday and I maayyybbeee washed my uniform once a week. He just looked at me funny, lending no ease to my state of confusion.
I managed to make my way over to them, but not without tripping of course. The beginner’s class was my duty, so welcoming new students was part of the job. I introduced myself, probably about as awkward as I could have possibly done it, and shuffled shy little brother into my line-up of students, all the while trying to look at macho as could be. I couldn’t even manage a glance from her, maybe I just missed it, but as hard as I tried I couldn’t even garner any eye contact.
After what seemed like forever, class was finally over. I was clearly a mess, which my father took full advantage of, capitalizing on the opportunity embarrass me even further. “I suggest everybody spar with Casey today, take advantage because his mind is clearly elsewhere,” he opened up our advanced class with. He was right; she had left, without any semblance of flirtation, which of course sent shockwaves through my fragile, fifteen year old ego.
Twelve years later, by chance Rachel and I came across each other again. She now had a son, four year old Zachary, and asked if I knew anybody that taught martial arts. Still as smitten at twenty-seven as I was at fifteen, I immediately set up an appointment with a good friend of mine that teaches in Orland. I was nervous, not only was I seeing her again, but now I was meeting her son. What in the world would I do with a four year old kid?
It took me about as long as it did to fall in love with Zach as it did to fall in love with her. It was instantaneous, after the first hour of us all being together I just knew. From that day on the three of us have been inseparable, and Rachel and I are getting married on May 18th of this year.
“Hey Case!” My dad shouted from across the room. I can’t even begin to imagine what sort of look I had on my face, I don’t even want to know, and I just hope she didn’t see it. My dad could have kicked me in the side of the head and I think it would have less of an impact.
There stood the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my life, encouraging her shy little brother to come and give this martial arts thing a try. I’m an extremely confident(some use other words to describe it) individual, but in that moment I was smack dab in the unfamiliar territory I like to refer to as “flabbergasted.” I immediately straightened out my uniform, which was wrinkled and undoubtedly smelt like sweat. “Do I stink like sweat?” I asked my friend Matt before making my way across the room. Of course I smelt like sweat, it was Friday and I maayyybbeee washed my uniform once a week. He just looked at me funny, lending no ease to my state of confusion.
I managed to make my way over to them, but not without tripping of course. The beginner’s class was my duty, so welcoming new students was part of the job. I introduced myself, probably about as awkward as I could have possibly done it, and shuffled shy little brother into my line-up of students, all the while trying to look at macho as could be. I couldn’t even manage a glance from her, maybe I just missed it, but as hard as I tried I couldn’t even garner any eye contact.
After what seemed like forever, class was finally over. I was clearly a mess, which my father took full advantage of, capitalizing on the opportunity embarrass me even further. “I suggest everybody spar with Casey today, take advantage because his mind is clearly elsewhere,” he opened up our advanced class with. He was right; she had left, without any semblance of flirtation, which of course sent shockwaves through my fragile, fifteen year old ego.
Twelve years later, by chance Rachel and I came across each other again. She now had a son, four year old Zachary, and asked if I knew anybody that taught martial arts. Still as smitten at twenty-seven as I was at fifteen, I immediately set up an appointment with a good friend of mine that teaches in Orland. I was nervous, not only was I seeing her again, but now I was meeting her son. What in the world would I do with a four year old kid?
It took me about as long as it did to fall in love with Zach as it did to fall in love with her. It was instantaneous, after the first hour of us all being together I just knew. From that day on the three of us have been inseparable, and Rachel and I are getting married on May 18th of this year.
The Willows court house is really quite quaint. It has been kept well over the years and is classic in its design and decor. The Judge was truly a delight with a jovial spirit and contagious smile. Their ceremony was meaningful and true to their union. Their son was the perfect gentlemen as he stood with them forging a new family through the bonds of matrimony.
Rachel brought these very cute signs and banners to use to make their courthouse nuptials unique and personal. all those in attendance stopped to let me capture them as they ventured out to a new married life together.
Rachels eye for detail was apparent through every detail of their day. She had this dress custom made with exquisite lace. Her jewelry was custom made and rounded out the delicate and feminine look so perfectly.
These two we are blast to work with and their whole family was friendly and easy to get along with. Anyone could tell they were in love and we so happy to make their commitment to each other complete. Their love story is continuing today as they are currently expecting a little girl in a few weeks from now. We hope them all the best with their new bundle of joy and their whole life together and thanks for allowing me to be a part of your very special day.
