John and Casey Tie the Knot!

John and Corey have been friends since they met in 7th grade at St. Columban. In fact, I remember meeting John for the first time on the exact same day that I met Corey for the first time. Corey and John were on the basketball team at St. Columban. All the Catholic elementary schools compete in a big tournament hosted by Servite High School every year. My friend, Julie, dragged me to the St. Columban (her alma mater) versus St. Hedwig (my alma mater) game at Servite because she wanted me to meet her friends (John and Corey among others). Over a decade later, John was a groomsman for our wedding. On June 25, 2010, Corey was able to repay the favor and be a groomsman for John when he married Casey. Casey and John have been through a lot as a couple. Casey suffers from lupus and was recently hospitalized for a serious flare of her disease. I always knew that John loved Casey. Not just loved her. But LOVED her, loved her. To see him, see her, through such a rough time was unbelievable. He is a rock but he is also incredibly tender and caring. They amaze me as a couple and I have zero doubt that they will maintain their love for a lifetime! To be at their wedding was a priviledge and to be their friends is an honor.

The wedding was at Salt Creek beach just down the bluff from the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel. Casey has never looked more beautiful! John cleaned up pretty well himself. This was the first wedding that Corey was in and it was pretty cute to watch him walk up the aisle and carry out his groomsman duties. I caught a glimpse of what it was like for him all the times that he attended a wedding solo while I was a bridesmaid!

The reception was so much fun! It was at the Salt Creek Grill just down the street from the Ritz. Cocktail hour, dinner and dancing were on the patio. Apparently, there was an amazing dessert bar with all sorts of pastries and candies and goodies. I don't know how I missed it! When the reception ended on the patio, the party moved indoors and they had an "after hours reception" for anyone who wanted to stay! Believe it or not, we stayed! All in all, it was one of the best weddings we have ever attended!