Rio Olympian Kasey Perry-Glass' Rustic Wedding
Who says you have to be in Rio to bring home the gold? Thankfully for those of us who are watching from the sidelines this year, we invite you to witness one very special celebration. That being? The wedding of Current USA Olympian Kasey Perry-Glass (who just so happens to be competing today!) promising her forever in one sweet ranch ceremony. Complete with the talented Weddings By Scott And Dana behind the lens and Plush Weddings on hand orchestrating every stunning second, we've got it all waiting for you in The Vault!
From Michaela at Plush Weddings... When you think of Kasey and Dana Glass…you can’t help but think about a love story with a fairy tale ending. Both share a love of horses, and it was this love that ultimately brought them together for a chance meeting in Colorado in 2008. Kasey and her family had flown out to Colorado from California to be part of the world famous Great American Horse Drive. People travel from all over the world to join in this 60 mile horse drive in which the participants move over 700 horses across the beautiful countryside while also on horseback. Dana was the ranch hand (or ‘hot hospitality cowboy’ as Kasey put it) that worked for the ranch. The interaction between the two was short-lived and when the ride was over Kasey and Dana went their separate ways…
But life has a pretty amazing way of bringing two people together when it’s simply meant to be. Kasey returned home, and over the next couple years, was splitting her time between California & Washington to continue her qualifying and training for the 2016 USA Olympic Dressage Team. Dana continued working at the ranch in Colorado, eventually moving to South Dakota. Their paths crossed again (thanks to Kasey’s sister who had stayed in touch with Dana!) and this time it was on the West Coast, in Spokane, Washington. From there, the spark was fueled and the rest is history….
Their first date was perfectly sweet. Upon Dana’s arrival to Washington the two went out to breakfast. According to Kasey, from that point on, they never left each other’s side. ‘It was love at first (well, second) sight,’ says Dana. Kasey loved how easily they re-connected. She knew it would take an extra special person who understood her commitment to the Dressage sport and the intense training that comes with qualifying for the Olympic team….and Dana was just that guy! In Kasey’s words, ‘He’s the perfect man. I trust him fully and completely. He’s passionate for us, he’s patient, he loves horses and he’s always up to do anything!’
They fell head over heels for one another and with their intense schedules and traveling, they soaked up every single moment they had together and their relationship steadily grew. With the many phone calls, texts and skyping, they were all in! It wasn’t a surprise, when a year and a half later, the proposal came…and was met with a resounding, “Yes!” Between traveling and training, both knew they wouldn’t be able to plan a wedding on their own. So, they hired a wedding planner to take care of all the planning and details while they were away. From there, an all-star team of vendors were hand-picked and came together to bring Kasey & Dana’s dream wedding to life! On October 23, 2015 at Kasey’s parents ranch in Orangevale, California they said their ‘I Do’s’ in front of their closest family and friends.
With a ‘Country-Chic’ design inspiration, and a color palette of blush & champagne, with a touch of grey, and a splash of glitter, their personal style was reflected in every detail. From their personal collection of steer skulls hung throughout the celebration, to the delicate feathers that graced the florals, to the hanging crystals, and the eclectic lounge furniture, it was the perfect blend of rustic cowboy meets girlish elegance.
The ceremony took place down in the family’s pasture under Kasey’s dad’s tree house (AKA his ‘Man Fort’). Surrounded by matured trees and a nearby creek, you couldn’t help but feel surrounded with peace, love and serenity. As guests arrived, they were greeted with champagne and live instrumental music filled the air as they found their seats among the trees. Setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable grand entrance, the aisle began on one side of the creek, crossing over a bridge, passing under the tree house, and eventually wound its way up to the altar on the other side. The aisle was lined with feathery pampas grass arrangements, and at the mid-way point, crystals hung from the tree house above, creating an enchanted experience for everyone attending. ‘I just remember keeping my head down until she was at the front of the aisle, I didn’t want to see her before that moment. Once I could see her walking towards me, that was the best moment of my life,’ recalls Dana. Married under a steer skull embellished with asymmetric florals and greenery, it was the perfect beginning to a perfect evening.
After the ceremony, guests made their way up the guided path to the cocktail reception. Between the setting sun, the candles and the market lights strung above, a romantic amber glow illuminated throughout the entire space. An eclectic variety of lounge areas graced the perimeter of the circular reception area, each having its own unique style to it (the favorite was the hanging table!). A circular bar, placed in the middle of the reception was the hub of excitement for guests. Moscow Mules, served in copper mugs, was the signature drink for the evening, paired with yummy comfort finger foods; everyone was in their happy place and the tone was set for the evening’s celebration.
The family’s tack shed was converted into a polaroid photo-booth, complete with cowboy/cowgirl dress up accessories and a custom hand painted back drop filled with some of Kasey & Dana’s favorite words, quotes and lyrics. Next to the photo-booth was a video guest book; where guests could record live messages and recall special memories for the bride and groom to playback and remember for a lifetime.
After cocktails and mingling, it was time to shift into dinner and dancing! The reception area was held in the family’s riding arena. So many special memories have happened in this arena, which created an energy in the room that was palpable. The covered riding arena was transformed into an outdoor ballroom. With it being such a large space, it was important to create intimate spaces within it for their family and friends. This was achieved beautifully with the use of different dimensions, heights and textures in combination with creative area design. Pillar candles, in varying heights, lined the entrance to the arena, giving the front and center head table a romantic glow. The custom dance floor, was lined with a grass border around its perimeter offering the guests feet some reprieve from the surrounding sand. A hand painted monogram filled the center of the dance floor, and was in the spot light from an antler chandelier that hung above. The custom pallet stage held not only the live country band, but 7’ marquis ‘L-O-V-E’ letters that lit up the entire stage. Wagon wheel chandeliers graced the ceiling of the arena, placed in between delicate lace panels that hung with a gentle swag across the ceiling beams. It was stunning!
The dining tables were a blend of round and rectangular farm tables. Each table was placed on a custom built platform to keep their guests comfortable and out of the sand, complimenting the intimate feel of the evening. A variety of table covers alternating from a blush sequin, to a creamy champagne lace, to a rustic grey linen runner; tapered candles and antique glass votives were the perfect accent to softly light up each table. ‘The flowers were my favorite and were absolutely perfect!’ Kasey said as she reflects on the day. The centerpiece design alternated between the round and rectangular tables. Some had 4’ tall pieces filled with pampas grass, feathers and greenery; while others were embellished with 10’ long baby’s breath floral runners. Strands of orchids hung from each wagon wheel chandelier, whimsically dangling above the tables, while lush greenery wound its way up to the chandelier to the ceiling.
The donut dessert bar had everyone waiting in anticipation to fill up their goodie bags before they left! Layers upon layers of every donut imaginable….Fruity Pebbles, Reese’s Pieces, maple, chocolate, Oreo, Captain Crunch, bacon, glaze, sugar….the guests truly did go-nuts for dough-nuts! At the end of the evening, everyone participated in a lantern send off. The guests paired up and each made a wish for Kasey and Dana. Together all of the wishes and lanterns were released into the starry night sky. It. Was. Magical.
The fairytale isn’t over just yet….life went on ‘as normal’ after the wedding. Kasey and Dana’s home-base is now in Florida with their super cute, energetic dog, Bean. Kasey continued her dressage training and with hard work and dedication, she has earned her place on the USA Olympic Dressage Team in RIO 2016 and is currently there competing! Dana is working with a farrier in Florida, breaking horses in and loving every minute of it. He will be joining Kasey in Rio to see her compete! They truly are already living a happily ever after.
But life has a pretty amazing way of bringing two people together when it’s simply meant to be. Kasey returned home, and over the next couple years, was splitting her time between California & Washington to continue her qualifying and training for the 2016 USA Olympic Dressage Team. Dana continued working at the ranch in Colorado, eventually moving to South Dakota. Their paths crossed again (thanks to Kasey’s sister who had stayed in touch with Dana!) and this time it was on the West Coast, in Spokane, Washington. From there, the spark was fueled and the rest is history….
Their first date was perfectly sweet. Upon Dana’s arrival to Washington the two went out to breakfast. According to Kasey, from that point on, they never left each other’s side. ‘It was love at first (well, second) sight,’ says Dana. Kasey loved how easily they re-connected. She knew it would take an extra special person who understood her commitment to the Dressage sport and the intense training that comes with qualifying for the Olympic team….and Dana was just that guy! In Kasey’s words, ‘He’s the perfect man. I trust him fully and completely. He’s passionate for us, he’s patient, he loves horses and he’s always up to do anything!’
They fell head over heels for one another and with their intense schedules and traveling, they soaked up every single moment they had together and their relationship steadily grew. With the many phone calls, texts and skyping, they were all in! It wasn’t a surprise, when a year and a half later, the proposal came…and was met with a resounding, “Yes!” Between traveling and training, both knew they wouldn’t be able to plan a wedding on their own. So, they hired a wedding planner to take care of all the planning and details while they were away. From there, an all-star team of vendors were hand-picked and came together to bring Kasey & Dana’s dream wedding to life! On October 23, 2015 at Kasey’s parents ranch in Orangevale, California they said their ‘I Do’s’ in front of their closest family and friends.
With a ‘Country-Chic’ design inspiration, and a color palette of blush & champagne, with a touch of grey, and a splash of glitter, their personal style was reflected in every detail. From their personal collection of steer skulls hung throughout the celebration, to the delicate feathers that graced the florals, to the hanging crystals, and the eclectic lounge furniture, it was the perfect blend of rustic cowboy meets girlish elegance.
The ceremony took place down in the family’s pasture under Kasey’s dad’s tree house (AKA his ‘Man Fort’). Surrounded by matured trees and a nearby creek, you couldn’t help but feel surrounded with peace, love and serenity. As guests arrived, they were greeted with champagne and live instrumental music filled the air as they found their seats among the trees. Setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable grand entrance, the aisle began on one side of the creek, crossing over a bridge, passing under the tree house, and eventually wound its way up to the altar on the other side. The aisle was lined with feathery pampas grass arrangements, and at the mid-way point, crystals hung from the tree house above, creating an enchanted experience for everyone attending. ‘I just remember keeping my head down until she was at the front of the aisle, I didn’t want to see her before that moment. Once I could see her walking towards me, that was the best moment of my life,’ recalls Dana. Married under a steer skull embellished with asymmetric florals and greenery, it was the perfect beginning to a perfect evening.
After the ceremony, guests made their way up the guided path to the cocktail reception. Between the setting sun, the candles and the market lights strung above, a romantic amber glow illuminated throughout the entire space. An eclectic variety of lounge areas graced the perimeter of the circular reception area, each having its own unique style to it (the favorite was the hanging table!). A circular bar, placed in the middle of the reception was the hub of excitement for guests. Moscow Mules, served in copper mugs, was the signature drink for the evening, paired with yummy comfort finger foods; everyone was in their happy place and the tone was set for the evening’s celebration.
The family’s tack shed was converted into a polaroid photo-booth, complete with cowboy/cowgirl dress up accessories and a custom hand painted back drop filled with some of Kasey & Dana’s favorite words, quotes and lyrics. Next to the photo-booth was a video guest book; where guests could record live messages and recall special memories for the bride and groom to playback and remember for a lifetime.
After cocktails and mingling, it was time to shift into dinner and dancing! The reception area was held in the family’s riding arena. So many special memories have happened in this arena, which created an energy in the room that was palpable. The covered riding arena was transformed into an outdoor ballroom. With it being such a large space, it was important to create intimate spaces within it for their family and friends. This was achieved beautifully with the use of different dimensions, heights and textures in combination with creative area design. Pillar candles, in varying heights, lined the entrance to the arena, giving the front and center head table a romantic glow. The custom dance floor, was lined with a grass border around its perimeter offering the guests feet some reprieve from the surrounding sand. A hand painted monogram filled the center of the dance floor, and was in the spot light from an antler chandelier that hung above. The custom pallet stage held not only the live country band, but 7’ marquis ‘L-O-V-E’ letters that lit up the entire stage. Wagon wheel chandeliers graced the ceiling of the arena, placed in between delicate lace panels that hung with a gentle swag across the ceiling beams. It was stunning!
The dining tables were a blend of round and rectangular farm tables. Each table was placed on a custom built platform to keep their guests comfortable and out of the sand, complimenting the intimate feel of the evening. A variety of table covers alternating from a blush sequin, to a creamy champagne lace, to a rustic grey linen runner; tapered candles and antique glass votives were the perfect accent to softly light up each table. ‘The flowers were my favorite and were absolutely perfect!’ Kasey said as she reflects on the day. The centerpiece design alternated between the round and rectangular tables. Some had 4’ tall pieces filled with pampas grass, feathers and greenery; while others were embellished with 10’ long baby’s breath floral runners. Strands of orchids hung from each wagon wheel chandelier, whimsically dangling above the tables, while lush greenery wound its way up to the chandelier to the ceiling.
The donut dessert bar had everyone waiting in anticipation to fill up their goodie bags before they left! Layers upon layers of every donut imaginable….Fruity Pebbles, Reese’s Pieces, maple, chocolate, Oreo, Captain Crunch, bacon, glaze, sugar….the guests truly did go-nuts for dough-nuts! At the end of the evening, everyone participated in a lantern send off. The guests paired up and each made a wish for Kasey and Dana. Together all of the wishes and lanterns were released into the starry night sky. It. Was. Magical.
The fairytale isn’t over just yet….life went on ‘as normal’ after the wedding. Kasey and Dana’s home-base is now in Florida with their super cute, energetic dog, Bean. Kasey continued her dressage training and with hard work and dedication, she has earned her place on the USA Olympic Dressage Team in RIO 2016 and is currently there competing! Dana is working with a farrier in Florida, breaking horses in and loving every minute of it. He will be joining Kasey in Rio to see her compete! They truly are already living a happily ever after.