Raymond planned a private proposal during our Valentine’s trip to the family cabin, but it didn’t go exactly as planned. The ring was delayed—then delayed again. It was supposed to arrive on Thursday, the day we left, but delivery was pushed back two more days. Determined to make the moment happen, the jeweler drove three hours through a snowstorm to personally deliver the ring that Saturday afternoon. Raymond made an excuse to leave the cabin to “help the neighbor,” met the jeweler in the center of Windsor, made the exchange, and returned without raising suspicion. That night Raymond asked Britney to marry him, and of course she said yes.

Our officiant is Raymond’s Aunt Sherry, who played a vital role in his childhood. Aunt Sherry was always showing up for games, school events, and even making homemade Halloween costumes. She has hosted the family Thanksgiving for over 20 years and inspired his love of cooking and baking. Having her officiate our wedding means so much to us; we couldn’t imagine a more special person to stand with us as we begin this new chapter.

When it came time to choose our wedding venue, the decision felt natural. Casa Bianca Banquets has been part of Raymond’s life since he was 14 — his first job, where he spent countless afternoons and weekends learning the rhythm of the place. Over the years the owners, Sami, Lidi, and Bash, became like family, and Raymond often saw them more than he saw his own family. Casa Bianca is also the longtime host of Raymond and Britney’s Fire & EMS installation dinners, honoring the agencies that mean so much to us. Because of all this history, Casa Bianca just felt right: a space filled with memories and people who have shaped our lives. We’re so grateful they’re helping us bring our dream wedding to life — to our Casa Bianca family, thank you.