Wedding Day

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

Nuptial Mass

Top of the Town

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

The red string of fate is a concept in Japanese folklore, believed to be a red cord that connects two people who are destined to be together, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The string is said to be tied around the fingers of these individuals, and although it may stretch or tangle, it can never break.Phil and I use this concept to describe how we found each other since our lives were as far apart as they could have been.Since that very casual date on 30 September 2023, with Kelsey and Penn lurking in the background, I can genuinely say I believe in soulmates, even if I didn't know it at the time. Living in Arlington, trying to date a man in DC is tough work; we both had to catch at least a bus and a train if we wanted to spend time together (sometimes two trains). At the time, Phil was working crazy hours for football, and I was working a 24/7 schedule, all odds against us, but we both put in equal effort to ensure the other knew how much each other meant to the other. This unspoken consistency we both put forth to eachother is the cornerstone of our relationship.Life has a crazy way of leading you to people that are here for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and Phil is the quintessential definition of showing me what true unconditional love is like, AND we get to walk this Earth together for a lifetime!

Red String of Fate -Cassidy's Version

It's funny how life works isn’t it? Here I am a simple Aussie guy who somehow stumbled his way into living and working in DC and who is about to marry the most amazing girl in the world. There are millions of different ways I could try and summarize or convey my feelings towards Cass, but nothing will be close to adequate but I'm going to try none the less.&nbsp; It was Memorial Day weekend, 2023. Cass, Ashley and I were about two thirds of the way through our 5-hour drive&nbsp;back from the Outer Banks to DC. The three of us were chatting away as you do on any long drive and it was during one of these random conversations Ashley said something poignant that has stuck with me ever since.&nbsp; “What’s the point of having regrets when they have led you to the moment you are in now”.&nbsp; This innocuous comment truly sums up my thoughts and feelings surrounding Cass. There has been many ups and downs in my lifetime: whether it be the many moves during my childhood, the hardships of adolescent and high school life, my decision to pursue American football instead of attending Australian university, moving to America not once but twice and a myriad of other life events that I could talk about until the cows come home. Nevertheless, I would not change a&nbsp;thing, nor do I have a single regret as all that led me to meeting Cass on the 30th of September 2023 and I would not change that once in a lifetime crossing of paths for anything in this world.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Life is a funny thing - Phil's version

Our Story

This is the Marriott across the street from Phil and I’s apartment! This is where we have a room block. We also will be having the tuxedos picked up from here. The hotel is above the metro which makes getting into the city super easy! 

Crystal Gateway Marriott

This is the closest airport to the Marriott in Crystal City. It is one metro stop on the Blue line (towards Largo) or the Yellow line (towards Mt Vernon). The Crystal City Metro is below the Marriott! Uber/Lyft is always an option, or if you need to stretch your legs after a long flight, you can WALK on the Mt. Vernon Trail towards Crystal City. It's about a 15-minute walk to the Marriott Gateway Hotel.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

For our international guests, this is the airport you want to fly into! There are many options to get you to where you are staying!1. Uber/Lyft2. Car rentals at IAD (remember we drive on the RIGHT side of the road, literally and figuratively)3. Washington Flyer Cab (https://www.flydulles.com/parking-transportation/washington-flyer-taxi-service)4. Metro: Options are the Orange and the Silver Line towards DC and transfer if applicable. Keep in mind the metro stops running around midnight... so plan accordingly

Dulles International Airport

This is the closest metro stop to Marriott Gateway, where we have a room block.

Crystal City Metrorail Station

Boyes Richards Wedding Room Block!! Welcome to The Westin Crystal City at Reagan National Airport!

The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport

Travel and Accommodation 

Q + A

Registry

This is my best friend, former roommate, sister, and twin flame. Penn knows where the bodies are buried since she buried them with me. Any questions go to her since she knows the ins and outs of my brain and this wedding!  Penn was on the first date with Phil, and I was at Rocketbar, and Penn was the first friend Phil was introduced to (even before my parents) !!

Ashley Pennington (Penn) 

Megan is the most interesting person I know. Somehow, through luck and fate, we found each other in a breakout room during our statistics class at American University. Megan is the friend you go get "only one drink and appy with", but end up out until 3 am with stories nobody would believe. Megan has taught me many things, like I need to use my free will more, but most importantly, no amount of distance could shake our friendship. 

Megan McDonell

Kelsey and I have been great friends the middle school soccer days! She has seen me through all stages of my life including my antsy black “raccoon eyeliner phase” to all the teenage college help I needed as I found myself in this world. Kelsey has always been there to help me through with her sage advice and dark humor!! Kelsey always has a fun fact, so her fun fact is she was an integral part of Phil and I’s first date!  

Kelsey Reynolds

Aubrey and I survived Arabic together; must I say more? She is the friend who will be in the jail cell next to you rather than the call you make. Shoutout to her for walking all over DC to find Top of the Town, aka the reception hall! During a happy hour in September 2023, Aubrey and Nicole were there when I saw Phil on Bumble! She really has been there day one! 

Aubrey Vionne Dosky

Nicole is the definition of the coolest girl. She has run a marathon in South Africa, constantly travels all around the world, and is best known for her pickle martinis and great parties. She always brings positive energy into every room she enters. She is one of the most down-to-earth people and always down for a trip (if it fits into her crazy notes calendar organization). Nicole was also there the night I found Phil at the Celtic House!! 

Nicole Hager

The Bridesmaids

Nothing bonds people together more than shared trauma. Aaron and I got to experience all The Mecca had to offer, and luckily had each other to get us through. The two years spent with Howard were some of the most interesting of my life, but having Aaron there made it tolerable. Therefore, I could not be happier to have him as a groomsman.

Aaron Bickerton

The other half of the reason to shout out Facebook marketplace. I can think of no better bonding experience between two men than both being unemployed, shirtless, and watching the Euros. Boys became men in the summer of 2024, and even an eviction could not change that. Thus, could not be happier to have Mr. Brinker as a groomsman.

Owen Brinker

There is no more semi-erotic relationship than between a punter and his long snapper. I cannot tell you the amount of hours I have spent staring at this man bent over in front of me, thus, why I could think of no better man to be a groomsman at my wedding.

Johnathon Duff

One-half of the reason to shout out to the Facebook marketplace. From messaging Joe about a spare room in his house to getting evicted together, Catholic hoops, 5k's, and VOLO, to now having him as a groomsmen at my wedding, life moves quickly, and I could not be more appreciative.

Joseph Kahadze

Connor and I's friendship was love at first sight. We met for the first time at the Aerospace Museum in DC with Ashley and Cass to boot. Whilst the girls played in the simulator, Connor and I discussed the history of WW1 aircraft. Since then, there have been many historical discussions and gym sessions together. Connor was also an essential part in helping me to ask John for his permission for his daughter's hand. That's why Connor had to be a groomsman to help complete the journey.

Connor Liva

Don't know how Caleb has put up with me for this long. From beaching his car in our driveway, getting both our power and water cut off at our apartment, or way too many times barging into his room when I was bored, I definitely pushed my luck. Nevertheless, we made it through and I couldn't ask for a better groomsmen.

Caleb Whitacre 

The Groomsmen

Photos

First Date Spot!! Opens at 4 pm and is a super fun place to play pool, darts, shuffleboard, and other bar games. Order a Blue Moon and a Stella to recreate our first date!

Rocket Bar

If you have some free time while you're here, we highly recommend spending a few hours (or a whole day!) exploring the National Mall — it’s one of DC’s most iconic spots.Monuments &amp; Memorials:Take a scenic walk and check out the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and more. Pro tip: sunset and early morning are extra beautiful!Smithsonian Museums (they’re all free!):National Museum of American HistoryNational Museum of Natural HistoryNational Air and Space MuseumNational Museum of African American History and Culture (note: timed-entry tickets required)Bonus: Wear comfy shoes and be ready for some walking — the Mall looks small on a map but is deceptively big in real life!

National Mall

For anyone who wants a break from monuments, the National Portrait Gallery is a gem! Located just a few blocks from the National Mall, this beautiful museum features portraits of America’s most fascinating figures — presidents, artists, celebrities, and change-makers — all set inside a gorgeous historic building

National Portrait Gallery

***IF YOU WANT A TOUR, YOU MUST BOOK FAR IN ADVANCE. Please reach out to Phil (International Guests) and Cassidy (Domestic Guests) if you are interested *** A 15-minute walk from the mall is the White House! It would be beautiful in November 2025 with all the fall foliage!

The White House

If you're looking for a meaningful and peaceful experience during your trip, Arlington National Cemetery is well worth a visit. The grounds are beautiful, and it's a powerful place to reflect and honor those who served.Highlights to See:Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (happens every hour on the hour; every 30 minutes during peak season)John F. Kennedy Eternal FlameMemorial AmphitheaterSpace Shuttle Challenger MemorialScenic views of Washington, DC from Arlington HouseTips for Visiting:Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking and some hills.There is a visitor center with restrooms, maps, and information.You can walk the cemetery or take a narrated shuttle tour if you'd prefer less walking.Admission is free.

Cassidy & Phillip

Cassidy & Phillip

Things to Do

Rocket Bar

National Mall

National Portrait Gallery

The White House

Arlington National Cemetery