I (Ulises) saw Casper's online profile and decided to message him with a cheesy line that I wasn't sure would work. I said, "So, what's your story?" He loved that line so much he immediately responded with a witty comment and I laughed my head off. We continued messaging back and forth and then eventually set up a date to meet up at a local coffee shop. This first date was very awkward because we were both very nervous. He was very shy and kept looking down while I kept trying to make eye contact. We ordered some coffee and sat outside and began talking. He seemed to be more comfortable and began talking, but I could tell he was still nervous. We shared common things such as where we grew up, our interests, a little bit about our family, etc. Then we talked about bands. I told him I love going to local shows because my friend was a promoter and I would do that a lot while I was in Orange County. I still remember he promised he would take me to go see some local bands. I'm still waiting...

From that first day I knew he was the man of my life. I came home and shared the news with my roommates and they could tell I was very excited about this Casper. We went on a few more dates, which were non-typical by any means. On our second date we went to ghost hunting. Who takes someone on a date to go ghost hunting? Casper does. Our third date was my choice; being the sap that I am I chose to go watch the re-release of Beauty and the Beast. He didn't say no, but when we got to the theater he refused to buy the tickets, he was so embarrassed. Then there were outdoor dates where we would go hiking and talk about our dreams and hopes and experiences with life. Every time I would set up a time to meet with him my heart was skipping a beat because he made me smile and laugh. But this was not the only thing that drew me to this amazing man. One day I came home with a broken pencil sharpener and I asked if he could look at it. He opened that thing up and within five minutes made it work. My heart could not contain itself. I knew that he was my robot in shining armor. That was the moment I was certain he was the one.

Casper was the one to propose to me. I had just started my Master's program at SDSU and he was adamant that we take a trip up to Seattle. I was excited, but nervous because of my program. I had a lot of homework that I needed to complete and wasn't too thrilled to be going up north because of my school, but I went up anyway. We strolled around the city for a day. Then he took me on a one-day trip to Bainbridge Island. I was very excited because I had never taken a ferry to the island. We were at a beautiful park sitting on a bench with an amazing view of Seattle when Casper popped the question.

We were looking for a rustic ranch-themed venue for the wedding. We found Circle Oak Ranch online and immediately scheduled a visit. Once we were there, there was no doubt that it was the place we were going to get married.

Words by Ulises as told by Amber Marlow. Photos by Derek Chad.

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DEREK CHAD PHOTOGRAPHY

A fresh, artistic, documentary-style approach to wedding and portrait photography with a fine-art twist! I take a modern and informal approach to photography. I like to capture all the special moments and emotions on your big day in a relaxed and artistic way. Contact me for more information!