1. Real Weddings

Kasey & Rod: An Outdoor Wedding in Sanger, CA

From the touching proposal to the timeless reception music, Kasey Melenbacker and Rod Krouskup let a romantic spirit guide their sentiment-filled wedd

From the touching proposal to the timeless reception music, Kasey Melenbacker and Rod Krouskup let a romantic spirit guide their sentiment-filled wedding. The Bride Kasey Melenbacker, 23, pharmaceutical sales representative The Groom Rod Krouskup, 27, commercial lending officer The Date September 24 Kasey and Rod met in a math class in the business department of California State University, Fresno. While that may not sound exactly romantic, Rod’s surprise proposal was -- complete with roses, candles, a sparkling ring tied around their puppy’s collar, and a handwritten note in which he promised to love Kasey for the rest of her life. Kasey planned every element of the wedding herself, with plenty of help from her mother, Cindy. “She is my mom and my best friend, and truly went above and beyond to help me put together such an unforgettable day,” the bride says. With attention to detail, and “some stress,” the two put together a natural, classic wedding that focused on simple elegance. “The goal was to create a feel that would be beautiful and classic,” Kasey explains. She chose a wedding color palette inspired by her wedding dress: champagne, taupe, and crimson red for a touch of color.

Kasey chose champagne-colored, two-piece bridesmaid dresses that were based on an Audrey Hepburn look. The strapless, iridescent taffeta bodices were teamed with a taffeta A-line skirt. The maid of honor wore the same skirt, but with a strapless beaded bustier. All attendants had the skirts cut to just below the knee for an elegant, sophisticated look.
In an intimate secret garden at Wolf Lakes Park shaded by trees and lush ivy, the bride and groom’s family walked down the aisle to the classic tune “Someone to Watch Over Me.” The romantic instrumental music continued as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked beneath a floral arbor while “My Romance” played. Soon after, the bride glided down the aisle to “When I Fall in Love.” “The music really differentiated our wedding from many,” Kasey explains, “and it was a soothing and romantic start to the ceremony.” The newly-married bride and groom recessed to Natalie Cole’s upbeat “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” Wolf Lakes Park, Sanger
Fresh roses adorned the wedding cake, which was three delectable tiers of French vanilla cake, cheesecake, and tart raspberry filling, iced in champagne-color buttermilk frosting.
The Programs
The Couple
Kasey and Rod took their first spin on the dance floor to Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” by Rod Stewart.
Kasey’s satin A-line gown by Oleg Cassini featured subtle champagne embroidery, a color echoed in the bridesmaids’ Audrey Hepburn-inspired dresses and in her own sleek stiletto heels. After some back and forth about whether to wear a veil, the bride says, “I decided that this is my wedding day and I needed to make it my own.” She skipped the veil in favor of exquisite vintage clips and long, loose locks.
A short cobblestone path led Kasey and Rod’s guests to the sunset reception in a beautiful stone pavilion overlooking the lake. Antique candelabra centerpieces surrounded by red rose petals set a dreamy mood. As Kasey recalls, “Once the sun set, the candles made the entire pavilion sparkle.” Guests also were greeted with personalized menus and a special message from the bride and groom thanking them for their presence and their loving support.
Kasey and Rod used a classic, warm color palette of champagne, taupe, and ivory for everything except the flowers: deep pink, crimson-tipped roses in the bouquets and boutonnieres provided a vibrant jolt of color.