Tamara Merri
Oct 17, 2018
Updated: Apr 17, 2020
Kasey and Mike met at the most romantic of places- a dive bar in Boston. She was at the bar with her college friends wearing a little black dress when she saw him walk in decked out in full running gear. Being an avid runner herself, she felt compelled to call him over to take a shot. Afterwards, he'd recall that night and talk about "the girl in the black dress". They had no idea at the time that Kasey asking Mike to take a shot with her, was really taking a shot at love (HA! so cheesy but I couldn't resist).
Running has defined a large part of their relationship- from a topic to break the ice the first time they met, to each running the Boston Marathon, to how they started their morning the day Mike asked Kasey to spend forever with him.
Kasey, on the proposal:
"He woke me up at 6 am to go for a run - which is our normal routine - but we ended up going on the world's shortest run. We literally only ran to the Starbucks next to our apartment. Then we walked over to our bench - the one we always go to in the North End when we need to make huge life decisions. He started talking about how he went to go visit my dad earlier in the week and how he asked him for my hand in marriage. Then he popped the question and I said YES! Then of course immediately FaceTimed my family. He and my friends also arranged an engagement party for later that night".
Mike, on how he knew she was the one:
"I knew I was going to marry Kasey after I got really sick on a trip to Malaysia. I flew home with an infection and immediately checked into Mass General. She slept in the hospital bed with me. Even after the nurses kept yelling and kicking her out, she'd climb right back in. I knew at that moment I was going to marry her.
It took me a little while to ask TJ because I was nervous- something about asking a guy to marry his daughter will make even the bravest guy a little weak. I drove out there on a Monday morning without calling and knocked on his door. He opened the door, asked what I was doing there, and I said "I want to marry Kasey". He laughed and invited me in. It was so nice to be welcomed in because one of my favorite parts of marrying Kasey is that I gain this big amazing family."
The opportunity to photograph their wedding was especially meaningful to me because I've known Kasey since I was 14. She welcomed me, the new girl at school, with open arms. She was a stranger who became my mentor on the field, to my friend off the field, to a lifelong friend whom I consider a sister. Mike is her counterpoint- he greets me so warmly whenever I see him, and always with a kiss on the cheek. Kase and Mike, THANK YOU for letting me be part of such an important day. I loved being able to capture the moments you'll want to relive forever.
Here are some of my favorite photos that tell the story of their day:
From details to desert, they had an amazing Vendor team:
Rings: Barmakian, @barmakian
Shoes: Badgley Mischka, @badgleymischka
HMUA: Emily Chapdilane, @studioemnh
Florist: Bourne Florist, @bourne.florist
Getting Ready PJs: TotallyBrides, @totallybrides, www.etsy.com/shop/totallybrides
Invitations: Zazzle, @zazzle, www.zazzle.com
Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal; @mikaellabridal, bought at Madeline's daughter; @madeleinesdaughter
Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal, www.davidsbridal.com
Suits: TheBlackTux, @theblacktux, www.theblacktux.com
Venue: The Brookside Club in Bourne, MA, @brooksidegolfclub, www.thebrooksideclub.com
DJ: Matt ToTo from Groove Events, @djmatttoto, www.groveevents.us
Cake: Lisa Raffael, @deliciousdessertscapecod, www.deliciousdesserts.net
Photography Team: Tamara Merri Photography, @tamaramerriphotography, www.tamaramerriphotography.com, with second shooter Angelica LaVallee, @lavalleelights_portraits, http://www.lavalleelights.com/