After a brief encounter at the New Lenox Proud American Days festival the previous summer, Matt and Cassie officially met sophomore year of high school. With the help of mutual friends, and adjacent assigned seats in Ms. Hilbert’s English class, Matt and Cassie exchanged phone numbers. Through the McManus family’s recently updated cell phone plan (which included unlimited texting for the first time) and Cassie’s recently acquired driver’s license, the couple were able to officially start their relationship on 4/24/09.

Groomsmen and renowned chef Andrew Chojnacki had recently been employed at the fine-dining establishment, Vie. Matt planned a dinner there with a few friends on 9/9/17. During the drive to Vie, Cassie received a scrapbook that recapped the past nine years. The Old 97’s set the stage via the aux cord, while Matt took a quick detour. Groomsmen and professional photographer Chris Jones was ready and waiting with bridesmaid Gina Doughney at Ranch Frosties, the couple’s first date spot, to capture the moment Matt popped the question. Matt and Cassie shared good food and good company the rest of the night.