Casey and Jaimie met through friends at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Up until a fateful Halloween night in 2010, they remained friends for a few years as destiny waited patiently for the most perfect time, holiday, and costumes. Casey was dressed as a Jack in the Box and Jaimie as a super original black cat for Halloween of 2010--a weekend that will infamously be remembered (or not at all for some) as the Rad Anthem Halloween. The weekend is nostalgic for us not only because of the friends who we shared it with, the Pepper house that we lived in, or the fun-filled shenanigans we got into, but also because it was the start to an exciting life-long friendship and love story. Some say it was the black cat's voodoo magic and other's say it was Jack's big blue eyes. Whatever it was, the love sparked and thus their courtship began.

In a Japan-land far far away, Casey decided to pop the big question to his love, sweet Jaimie Rae. The two woke up on a beautiful day in Kyoto, Japan with plans for visiting the town of Arashiyama. Jaimie had been anticipating this day since they were finally getting to walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Casey had been anticipating this day for a much much different reason. His main goal for the day was to not let the small ring drop out of his pocket for the big moment. He had a good chuckle to himself that morning when Jaimie decided to dress like a 40 year-old man knowing what pictures would be taking place. Jaimie asked if she looked good and he confirmed that she looked great. He debated proposing in the Iwatayama Monkey Park but feared the grab-happy monkey’s would steal Jaimie’s sparkling surprise. So he committed to the big ask at the next stop, surrounded by large peaceful bamboo stalks and if it was anything like the pictures online, no one would be around. Turns out it is a huge tourist attraction and the path was packed with people. But that did not alter the plan. The whole world seemed to stop and time froze when he popped the big question. Jaimie responded with a resounding, “OMG, what the f@#*? YES!” - - - - The Bamboo Parable: In the first year of a bamboo tree seedling, there is no visible growth above the ground. The same is true for the second, third, and fourth year. Finally in the fifth year, the Bamboo Tree grows 80 feet in 6 weeks. Like trees, relationships need nurturing to form the roots that ground and support us throughout the vicissitudes that life has in store for us. If you dedicate the time and energy into building strong roots and the unseen foundation, it is possible to support the outward growth of a lifetime.