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Jon Athans Photography
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Jon Athans Photography
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Jon Athans Photography
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Jon Athans Photography
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Jon Athans Photography
How They Met
Cassidy (Chelius) Bortz first laid eyes on Houston Bortz eight years ago when he attended a Christmas Eve party hosted by her parents. He was an old friend of her brother’s that was in town for the holidays. Shortly after, as a music fan exploring the area nightlife in Berks, she bumped into Houston as he worked at a few events around town. The two mingled and took things slowly, eventually dating. And as Cassidy says, “The rest is history!”
Tell us about the proposal!
On Dec. 5, 2020, knowing Cassidy’s love of Christmas, Houston planned a trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular. They were joined by their best friends Jenna Hiester (later Cassidy’s Maid of Honor) and Alex Humphrey (Houston’s future Best Man). Recalls Cassidy, “I was really in my element because it was one of our first times out in public after a long and dreadful 2020. We made a pitstop at the gazebo for a photo op, and Houston got down on one knee and proposed to me. I looked over and my mom and dad, John and Denise Chelius, were there to surprise me, too. It was truly a magical moment I will never forget!”
The Big Day:
Asserts Cassidy, “It was nothing short of perfect.” She woke up at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Reading before a team of makeup and hair professionals from Salon Avanti in West Reading came to work their magic. Arriving at IronSpire later that day, Cassidy and Houston enjoyed a first look and read private vows in front of their wedding party and parents, including Houston’s father, Justin Bortz, and mother, Maggie McDevitt. Cue the happy tears. The formal ceremony officiated by friend Andy Donnell followed, brought both laughter and more tears.
The reception, catered by the DoubleTree, included chicken fontina bites, scallops wrapped in bacon, mini cheesesteak hoagies, braised beef short rib with pan au jus, lemon thyme French-cut chicken, parmesan smashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables. A dessert bar included cupcakes baked by their friend, Taylor Ford Lee.
The simple and elegant ambiance carried out in white, peach, blush, tan and toffee shades acted as the perfect back drop as the couple shared a first dance to Unknown Legend by Neil Young.
Highlight for the Bride:
“About 30 minutes before our ceremony, I started to feel a little overwhelmed, anxious and excited. I looked at Nancy, my concierge for the day from LEO Design, and said, ‘Nancy, I need to breathe!’ She immediately grabbed by hands, the hands of my mother, grandmother and my bridesmaids, and led us through the most beautiful breathwork meditation. It was everything I needed to feel present and in the moment the rest of the day.”
Highlight for the Groom:
“Walking down the aisle after we said ‘I do.’ We had a special song queued up that really elevated the room and felt very special; looking around and seeing all the people we love was just a beautiful moment.”
The Honeymoon:
The Sinking Spring couple spent two nights at a historic hotel in Newport, RI, touring old mansions, eating amazing seafood, enjoying a surprise firework display on the beach and relaxing for a bit.
Future Plans:
Cassidy, an IT Trainer at Tower Health, and Houston, an event producer/project manager at JPL, recently purchased a home that they share with their cat, Boogie.
Advice for Future Couples Planning their Big Day:
Get a wedding planner! It was worth every penny.
VENDORS:
Coordinator/Decor: LEO Design Gallery Wyomissing
Wedding Bands: Justin Bortz Jewelry Berks County
Florist: Bloom and Gathered Berks County
Live Painter: Alexa Spadafora friend
Signage: Katie Sutton@Kreationsbykk53 Berks County
Dress: Dressed In Love Bridal West Reading
Band: Charlie Wanyo, Luke Blair, Daniel Bower, Mike Burowski and Stephan Kurtz
