We're getting married!

Clarissa and Casey’s story began in 2017 at Cal State San Marcos, where they were both members of the cross country and track team. Despite sharing countless miles and practices, theirs was not a love-at-first-sight kind of story. In fact, most of their early interactions involved a fair amount of teasing, primarily from Clarissa. Still, even in those moments, she noticed something different about Casey: his instinct to help others, his thoughtful advice (especially when it came to the 800 meters), and his genuine desire to make sure everyone around him was included & having a good time. It wasn’t until 2019, when both found themselves sidelined by running injuries, that things began to shift. Spending more time together studying, recovering, and navigating a slower pace of life, they started to appreciate each other in a new way. What began as casual time together turned into something they both quietly looked forward to, easy, comfortable, and full of laughter. Then came March 2020 and a camping trip they will never forget… for all the wrong reasons. Nearly everything that could go wrong did go wrong, turning the trip into a series of chaotic, borderline disastrous moments. But somewhere in the middle of it all, Casey realized something. He was in love with Clarissa. Not long after, on May 2, 2020, they officially began dating. Just three months later, they took a leap and moved in together, proof that sometimes the best decisions come from trusting what feels right. In 2022, their adventure continued as they packed up and moved to Colorado for Clarissa’s PhD program, embracing a new chapter filled with growth, challenges, and plenty of mountain views. Then, on December 30, 2023, Casey asked Clarissa to spend forever with him, and she said yes. From teammates to partners, from teasing to unwavering support, their story has been built on friendship, resilience, and a shared love for making life memorable, whether things go perfectly or completely off the rails.