Casey & Mikey,
It was one of those weeks that almost doesn’t seem real.
The Malibu sunsets looked like paintings.
Your day after party was a scene straight from a movie.
And the joy I experienced at your wedding felt like a dream.
But as I put this together, I recall how real it all was.
The pride I felt officiating your wedding was real.
The love from friends and family that filled that pool and packed that dance floor was all real.
The promise you made to each other and the adventure you are about to take together are so very real.
It’s hard to put the week into words, so I’ll share this segment from your ceremony, which gives us a sense for how real your love story is:
From the Ceremony: As Casey & Mikey stand here at the altar, it’s clear that they were meant to be together…but the odds weren’t always great.
Long before this joyous occasion, our bride and groom first knew each other at Penn State… by their Instagram handles.
@MikeySebastian was certainly attracted to a cute sorority girl named @Casejan, but he wasn’t interested in a serious college relationship.
And @Casejan would occasionally pause as she scrolled past pics of the charming soccer player, but his whole wannabe Cristiano Ronaldo vibe wasn’t really her type.
They “Liked” and made flirty comments on each other’s posts, and a few times even felt a little spark when they ran into each other at a bar.
But they were from opposite coasts envisioning different lives on separate paths. A future together was too unrealistic.
However one night, with all the odds stacked against him, @MikeySebastian felt compelled to send the following Instagram direct message:
“Hey @Casejan, One day we’re going to tell our kids that we met on Instagram.”
Who knows why he sent it? Maybe the guy just loves taking on near-impossible challenges, or he was an overconfident college kid sending a Hail Mary pick up line.
But when Casey actually responded to Mikey’s message, maybe they both knew:
The reasons their relationship didn’t make sense–would be the same reasons they’d become the power couple they are today.
Because long distance, unfortunate timing, and distinct differences didn’t hold them back. If anything, the challenges helped them grow.
Casey & Mikey- The distance that initially separated you actually brought you closer together. You had to put in the extra effort to trust, communicate, and really get to know each other. And when you were able to spend time together, you made the most of every precious minute.
The timing in which you met- while pursuing different careers paths and grieving a loss- didn’t compromise the pursuit of your connection. Instead, it accelerated and solidified your commitment. I’ve admired the way you two lean on each other whether you’re on the dance floor, spotting a workout, or navigating life’s most challenging moments.
And your differences don’t make you incompatible. Your differences are what make you so special. In some ways you chose your opposite, but in doing so, you chose the person who brings out the best & happiest version of you.
Between Casey’s thoughtful perspective and Mikey’s “Refuse to lose mentality,” you have proven you can handle anything that comes your way.
You’ve turned the question “Can we make this work?” to a promise, “Nothing could ever stop us!”
Your love…makes all this happen.
The love that fuels each of you to work harder and live healthier. The love that seems to light up any room that you two walk in together. The love that makes your dates more romantic, your trips more adventurous, your time with friends and family more memorable, and your Tuesday afternoons during a Pandemic lockdown more enjoyable. The love you two have for each other is what makes me so confident in the promise that you’re making today. And the love in your marriage will be the greatest gift you can give your future children.
So Mikey… I still think it’s a ridiculous Instagram message. But I’m glad you sent it. And Case- I’m just happy you didn’t block him for sending it!
Because now everyone here today can say with resounding confidence- as you did all those years ago:
“One Day you’ll tell your kids that you met on Instagram.”
…Mikey, you’ve told me how difficult it is to replicate the feeling of scoring a game winning goal. That moment of exhilaration that you felt as you saw the ball hit the back of the net against Akron.
But in a moment, when you kiss your bride, it’s going to feel so much better. And the life that you create and the memories you make together- will be more meaningful than any goal, any game, any championship.
As Casey said in her vows, when you’re on that rocking chair in your 80s, surrounded by kids and grandkids, you two will look back on your life and know that your marriage went undefeated!
So with that, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Mikey, you may kiss your bride.
The Janiec Reflection 