Cassie was just starting up her second year at Central Washington University getting a degree in Music Education and was living right next to the Music Building in a small housing development called Cottage Creek. When she returned from working in Tacoma over the summer she noticed that they had new neighbors who moved in right next door over the summer. Even though the new neighbors were all music majors, they really didn't become friends with each other, especially Jon, who was in the percussion studio and didn't share any of the same classes, practice spaces, or bands with Cassie.

The school year was coming to an end and Jon was getting ready for summer quarter classes and then off to Seattle for student teaching. Cassie and Jon had sparked a friendship by this point, mostly fueled by her making the top jazz band at school where Jon was playing drumset. The band was taking lots of trips where she and Jon began hanging out and getting to know each other. After a few late evenings of watching Game of Thrones and a couple of all nighters working on Ed Law classes, Jon made the move and asked if there was something between them. That question initiated the start of a relationship.

Five years, three cats, and one mortgage later, Cassie and Jon were on their way to Leavenworth (their favorite place ever) to celebrate their 5 year anniversary with a few close friends. After arriving in town extra early and spending the whole afternoon eating, drinking, and shopping, Jon requested that they go back and try to get into their condo a little early. Jon checked in to the front desk while Cassie unloaded the car. When Jon came back he had a bucket of champagne which he said was a gift from the front desk for their anniversary. After slowly unpacking and getting settled, Cassie reached for the champagne to open and share. When she picked up the bottle she discovered a small white box. Cassie asked Jon what it was and he suggested that it was probably chocolate. Cassie opened the box and out popped the most perfect sparkly ring (not chocolate, which is really what she thought it was). Jon asked Cassie right there to marry him in Leavenworth and she (through ugly crying) said yes.