Casey and Austin met in the spring of eighth grade at an athletic camp. “Austin’s childhood friend, Justin spoke to me first while we were doing warm up sprints on the football field.” Casey stated “throughout the summer, we kept in touch, getting to slowly know each other. When school started in the fall, we reconnected and kept talking. Austin eventually asked me to homecoming and then we had our first kiss at our freshman year’s homecoming dance, during a slow dance.”
The pair started dating in October of 2011, and were engaged in April of 2021. Austin proposed to Casey at an overlook of Lake Dillon in Silverthorne, CO. he surprised Casey by telling her they were going to take photos in the mountain. “He drove us up to Sapphire Point – a scenic overlook over Lake Dillon. It’s beautiful. He parked, I saw a photographer and KNEW.” After photos at the lake, they headed back home. “Austin politely asked me to not text anyone or try to facetime anyone while we were driving. Well I was on my phone and he was nervous, so he took my phone away. We got home… and wow. 30+ of our closest friends and family yelled some mixture of “surprise” and “congrats” as we walked in the door. About 25 of our closest friends and family flew in from all over.”
Casey started her wedding day by getting ready in her pajamas with her bridesmaids. She wore a beautiful long lace robe from Le Rose that she received as a gift from her mother at her bridal shower. The morning was well spent appreciating the beauty and tranquility of the mountains while spending time with her friends. “My favorite moment was when I was getting my hair and makeup done. I happened to just be able to open my eyes, look around the room… all of my girls, my best friends, from all stages of life were sitting in the living room, laughing and drinking champagne. The Moms were just walking around, taking in everything happening in one crazy morning!”
Casey and Austin became Mr. and Mrs. Swanson at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott, CO. They had never heard of Wolcott, but Casey states that “4 Eagle welcomes you with their rustic arms open, the views are incredible, and it was truly the perfect Colorado experience. What was there to not say yes to?”
Before the ceremony, Casey and Austin did a first look on the lush green grass of the lawn at Homestead House. “I saw Austin’s back to me when it finally hit me, oh gosh, we’re getting married! yee haw and oh crap! were the thoughts in my head! So ready for it, but it hit me like a train as I was walking on that grass over to him. I was a bit nervous but just the wedding day jitters, not nervous to get married or anything like that. I think I was just excited to see him and he looked so amazing in his uniform, all cleaned up and so ready to get married!”
For their ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Swanson included unique elements that held significance to them. “I’ve always wanted to incorporate an advice and well wishes for the newlyweds component, so I proposed the idea of getting this box custom made. We had it out at the rehearsal dinner for guests to write notes, then put our vows in it and locked it at our ceremony. We liked the idea of being able to open it up during the good times, tough times, and on anniversaries so we can read the advice and our vows again.” Austin wanted to include the American flag, their dogs and his Dress Blues into their ceremony. The bridal party arrived in horse drawn carriage to a ceremony space elegantly decorated with pastel flowers. Above the altar stood an impressive arch of different shades of pink and purple roses. White floral walls stood at the entrance next to purple Allium flowers. After being pronounced husband and wife, Casey and Austin recessed under the saber arch.
Post ceremony celebrations took place at the reception hall of 4 Eagle Ranch. The ceiling was decorated with custom chandelier shades that reflected their invitation vellum wrap. Casey and Austin’s dogs were involved in the ceremony and reception. They inspired the stir sticks, wedding cake and specialty drinks! Their cake design was inspired by the Colorado mountains and beautiful summer flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson spent the evening on the dance floor. Casey snuck away to change into a fun mini dress with fringe. She swapped her bridal shoes for coral pumps. At the end of the night, Mr. and Mrs. Swanson left in a sparkler haze. Congratulations to these Colorado newlyweds!
