page 114 X metropolitan weddings
X WINTER / SPRING 2025
written by | Tonya Shoats photographed by | Shelby ChantÉ Photography
Stardust & Soil
“ Some of our dirt is stardust , the remains of stars that fall to Earth after they ’ re caught by gravity .” – Lynn B . Coulter , Author
Some little girls grow up wishing upon stars for true love . Yet , as life often proves , modern romances aren ’ t always as predictable as fairy tales . For Cassie , a librarian , and Colton , a banker , their love story began in a contemporary way — on the dating app , Bumble . Before meeting Colton , Cassie had tried online dating but grew frustrated . She deleted the apps , thinking , " If it happens , it happens ." Many of her friends had already found their “ happily ever after ,” while she was still waiting . But after a playful nudge from an old friend , Cassie gave Bumble one last try . She swiped right — and , as Cassie says with a smile , " the rest was history ."
After nine months of dating , Colton was ready to propose . Wanting the moment to be a true surprise , he custom-designed Cassie ’ s engagement ring with the jeweler who had crafted her mother ’ s ring . He then teamed up with his sister-in-law Shelby , a photographer , to bring Cassie to The Atrium in Merriam Woods , Missouri , under the pretense of a photo shoot . Unbeknownst to her , their family and friends were waiting to surprise her with an engagement party .
As they began planning their summer wedding for July 2024 , Cassie and Colton aimed to create an event that reflected their personalities and faith . " I wanted something classy , elegant , and timeless ," Cassie says . Inspired by a Pinterest tablescape featuring Blue Willow vases , which reminded her of her mother ’ s Blue Willow plates , she settled on a blue and white color scheme . Weekends became opportunities to hunt for vintage pieces that fit their vision , and The Atrium had additional blue and white décor that complemented their collection . In keeping with their desire to honor tradition in unique ways , their wedding featured personal touches such as an ice cream truck , a ring bearer driving a tiny " ring security " vehicle , and a guestbook alternative — a vintage-looking phone for guests to leave voice messages . Having a faith-based ceremony was essential to the couple , so they added spiritual elements , including a family Bible open to their favorite verse on the communion table and both of their pastors tag-teaming during the ceremony . Cassie also paid homage to her family by wearing her mother ’ s wedding dress at the rehearsal brunch , which allowed a broader group of family members to celebrate before the big day in a more relaxing atmosphere . " It was a meaningful way to honor my mom and the women in my family ," she says . On the wedding day , she wore a stunning gown from Gracie ’ s that matched the timeless elegance she envisioned .
Instead of a " first look ," they shared a " first touch ." Standing on opposite sides of a door , they held hands and exchanged letters . " She wrote me the most heartfelt letter , and I said a prayer that day . I ' ll remember that moment forever ," Colton recalls . When the doors opened , Cassie glided down the aisle , and Colton was captivated . “ It sounds cliché , but everything slowed down for a bit . My heart was racing , and all I could think was , ' This is the love of my life .' She looked so beautiful , and we were about to start our new life together ."
One of the most symbolic aspects of their ceremony was the soil unity ritual . Cassie and Colton mixed soil from their family homes to represent their roots merging into a shared future . " We have such deep roots where we come from ," Cassie explains , " and we ’ re so thankful for our families who helped establish those roots ." The soil symbolizes the grounding force of their love and the foundation they are building together . As Coulter might say , it wasn ’ t just soil ; it was their pasts entwined , rich with history and love — much like stardust caught by gravity .
Their reception reflected their playful spirits . Colton , ever the funloving one , requested a WWE-themed pro-wrestling entrance , complete with gold sparklers . Instead of traditional catering , guests enjoyed a " game day " charcuterie board , creating a festive atmosphere that echoed the joy they wanted to share with family and friends . Cassie also surprised her mother with a “ mother-daughter ” dance after she danced with her father .
Cassie ' s advice to future brides is to make your wedding tell the story of the two of you as a couple . " Don ’ t plan your wedding to please your guests or worry about what ’ s trendy . Do what feels right for you and your fiancé . You don ’ t have to break the bank to have a beautiful wedding . Start early , don ’ t be afraid to ask for help , and utilize the resources and talents you have available to you ."
With the wedding behind them , Cassie and Colton now stand on that stardust-filled soil . The dirt beneath their feet symbolizes more than just their roots ; it represents the life they are building together , nourished by love and their faith in God . In the end , their love story is a blend of fate , faith , and the unique journey they have begun together . Every step they ’ ve taken has led them to this moment , a reminder that love is not always predictable , but when nurtured , it becomes as timeless and enduring as the stars above and the earth below . Xxoxo