Real Weddings: Cassaria & Zach

Black African American bride Cassaria groom Zach ceremony reception wedding marriage married tie the knot color palette emerald green mustard yellow ivory fall park outdoor boho knoxville tennessee south southern interracial non-traditional whimy playful off beat

Loving Day holds a special place in the hearts of Cassaria and Zach, who met one another through Tinder. Because June 12th is Loving Day, a day that commemorates the official legalization of interracial marriage, Zach knew it would be a truly meaningful day to propose to the love of his life. On that day in 2021, Cassaria went to her cousin’s wedding in Nashville, TN without her boyfriend, as Zach works in the air travel industry and had to work. Though Zach used this absence to his advantage, as he was able to get his big surprise ready for Cassaria whilst she was away. Key to the story is the fact that in the months leading up to Zach’s proposal, Cassaria suffered a terrible car accident that left her car totaled. Zach generously paid for her new car using money he had saved up for an engagement ring. Cassaria had always expressed her unwavering love for her partner, stating that she would marry him even if he proposed with a RingPop. Upon returning home, Cassaria found a heartfelt letter waiting for her, and she found Zach down on one knee proposing with a RingPop – a symbol of his commitment. She said yes, and of course, the couple went ring shopping in the months after. In October of 2022, Cassaria was accompanied down the aisle by her beloved uncle, who stepped in for her late father. A touching tribute in the form of a draped chair with a heartfelt message served to honor her father who had passed in 2015. Cassaria, a licensed aesthetician and owner of Color Me Cass Beauty, was ravishing after having done her own makeup. After the heartfelt ceremony, the couple and their 215 guests embraced the spirit of joy, laughter, and celebration at the vibrant reception. Guests at the well-attended wedding enjoyed the playful atmosphere, which included karaoke, a vintage Volkswagen van-turned photobooth and flaming donuts. These touches of nostalgia and whimsy fostered memories filled with love and laughter as two families who historically would have been forced to keep separate, became united for life.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Knoxville, TN

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: lively, playful, boho

CEREMONY: Fort Dickerson Park

RECEPTION: The Mill & Mine

DESSERT: Assorted cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory, and flaming donuts

FIRST DANCE SONG: “The Only Reason” by JP Cooper

INSPIRATION: something bohemian leaning heavy on green and fall colors

SPECIAL FEATURES: a flaming donut display for dessert; cold sparks for the send off; a 360 degree photo booth, a Volkswagen bus photo booth, and a vintage car for our grand exit; moonshine in mason jars as the favors; couple chose to do a unity candle lighting during the ceremony; bridesmaids got to choose their own gowns; couple brought in Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes

HONEYMOON: Florida, Louisiana and Texas

COLORS: