Justin and Cassidy met in the Fall of 2019 during their first semester at Hastings College.

Justin traveled all the way from Los Alamos, New Mexico to study Biochemistry and Cassidy from Bridgeport, Nebraska to study English, Art, and Education. It was unlikely that the two would have ever crossed paths, but as luck would have it, they stumbled into each other at a lame freshmen mixer…and then again at the college movie night … and then again at a scholarship dinner. Finally, one of these knuckleheads got the courage to make a massive, awe-encompassing gesture–to ask for the other's number. I know, super romantic. It wasn’t until they met for lunch at the college cafeteria until everything started to fall in line.

Following a speedy courting period, the two became an inseparable duo--Cassidy attributes this to her skills cooking and landing a job at a fine dining restaurant, but that's neither here nor there. The group of friends would often find themselves raiding the dorm’s kitchen for a spot to create memories, good food, and lots of laughs.

They were six months into their relationship when the pair traveled to Los Alamos, New Mexico for spring break and to meet Justin’s family. During that time, the schools went online for the Covid-19 pandemic, causing the two to become a pair of long distance lovers. They stayed in constant contact through facetime, funny videos, exchanging gifts, and ranting about online classes. During this time, Cassidy got her first solo pet, Margo, a fluffy calico tabby who adores Justin, is ever mischievous, and gave them a run for their money in her early years.

Sophomore year rolled around and school was back in session.

During these beginning years, Cassidy and Justin celebrated many firsts. Their one year anniversary at Lied Lodge, first solo Thanksgiving, New Years, long cross country road trips, and their first of many airplane rides to see each other.

In their Junior year, they really started to grow as a couple and dream of what their life would be like together. That winter, Justin was given his dog, Leo, and moved into the apartment that they would call their first home.

During the summer, the couple packed their bags for a major first step–planning a vacation together. They stayed at the Sandos Finisterra Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This trip was filled with some wild adventures–a twelve hour plane delay, lost luggage, an accidental booze cruise, and a fishing trip with no fish. Luckily, the resort was all inclusive, so they could wash their worries away while sunbathing by the pool.

Their senior year held some major stresses, but the two grew closer in their love for each other and continued surprises.

Their love story has traveled all over: Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Illinois.

Ever the adventurers, Justin and Cassidy are always down to try new and exciting things. They have gone through several hiking trails, trekking across the Sand Dunes, ziplining, body surfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, surfing (this did not end well), and of course, their passion for new foods and cocktail bars.

Justin found a deep love for glassblowing

Cassidy found a passion for painting and switched majors to studio art.

Justin’s senior research project was in gold nanoparticles which —--you know what, I still don’t know and/or understand…But it was cool.

After graduating, they moved to Omaha where Justin signed on to pursue pharmacology at UNMC. He also got a job as a pharmacy intern at the UNMC hospital.

During this time, Cassidy got a job at a seafood restaurant in downtown Omaha and worked on her painting portfolio.

The couple got engaged at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska on November 11th, 2023.

They chose this as one of their locations for their engagement photo shoot as well..

Since then, the couple has been planning their tropical wedding while taking some big steps in their personal lives.

They grew their family by one mongrel–an obese tuxedo cat named Draco.

They moved to a house where Cassidy could have an art studio and Justin would have to mow a lawn.

Cassidy had her first solo art exhibition and was hired at the Joslyn Art Museum.

Justin survived his first year and a half of school—major kudos needed.

With much to look forward to, the couple is excited to say their vows at the same place they took their first major trip as a couple–Mexico.

We hope to see you soon!

Love,

Cassidy & Justin

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(Margo, Leo, & Draco)

Q + A coming soon!