Sasha was an accomplished undergraduate flute player at the University of Colorado at Boulder on her way to opera orchestra rehearsal, when Ryan stopped her outside the water fountain. Although the proverbial “watering hole” may not be the most romantic setting for a great love story, it served as a perfect opportunity for Ryan to introduce himself to Sasha.
He, a violinist, was pursuing his second Master’s degree in Pedagogy and understood that as a string musician, he likely wouldn’t have many opportunities to mingle with a wind player. He knew that this could be his only chance to meet the most beautiful and accomplished flutist he had ever seen. He seized the moment and started chatting with Sasha about the difficulty of maintaining wooden instruments in places with low humidity. Yes, the way to any orchestral musician’s heart.
From then on, they would find each other during rehearsal breaks and make their way to the music building steps for a quick dose of sunshine and conversation. They discovered that they both loved to hike, so their first date took place on the Flatirons of Chautaqua National Park. “As much as we both tried to blame the altitude for our giddiness, we both knew we were beginning a much larger and fulfilling journey together that couldn’t be seen on a trail map,” Sasha shares. The following metaphorical path they trekked thereafter included four states, three pets, and a great many live performances together.
After seven years of dating in perfect harmony, Ryan proposed in the most simple yet perfect way possible. They had spent the summer day hiking in the Percy Warner Park in Nashville and returned home to assemble a charcuterie board (one of their favorite pastimes) and turn on their most beloved Andrew Bird record. Right there at home, Ryan got down on one knee and asked Sasha to marry him.
The couple knew they would have a small, intimate wedding. “A vintage French-inspired wedding seemed the perfect aesthetic, and after seeing the incredible historical venue 1220 in Nashville, everything just fell into place,” Sasha explains. Because they got engaged on the day of the summer solstice, the pair thought it only made sense to have their wedding on the spring equinox in March of 2021.
For Sasha’s bridal look, she sought something with sleeves and a more traditional, modest neckline. Incidentally, the first gown she tried on was exactly what she wanted. The Rime Arodaky dress paired exquisitely with her bridal ensemble vision. She accessorized with diamond stud earrings and her engagement ring, which was her late mother-in-law’s. Sasha wore Dior heels to finish the look and spritzed Jo Malone perfume before descending the aisle.
Ryan’s outfit was sharp and debonair with his Boglioli suit and shirt, Dunhill shoes, and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch.
March 20, 2021 was a beautiful and sun-shining spring day in Nashville. Before the ceremony began, everyone enjoyed Veuve Clicquot rosé and homemade potato chips. Then, they sat for the ceremony with the couple’s dear friend Alex as the officiant. Guests who could not attend Zoomed into the service and watched the I do’s online. Sasha still remembers her slight fear of tripping down the aisle, but any qualms she had were soothed when she remembered that her best friend was waiting for her at the end.
Sasha slipped into a Rasario dress for the reception and slid on another gem from her late mother-in-law’s jewelry collection, a dazzling aquamarine ring. Hairstylist Jossy Maness expertly coiffed Sasha’s hair into half-up, half-down style with a Jennifer Behr hairpiece, which added extra sparkle to the outfit. Sasha completed the ensemble with Malone Souliers shoes for late-night dancing.
Another round of drinks was served to celebrate the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Cockman. Guests sipped while playing bocce ball and listening to the musical stylings of Hot Club Time Machine. After many months without seeing their friends and family, Ryan and Sasha were so grateful to finally be with them in person. The reception followed with a seated dinner catered by Juniper Green. The couple cut into their decadent cake by Dessert Designs and shared their first dance to Mac DeMarco’s “Still Together.”
The couple rented out the Vandyke in East Nashville for the roaring after-party. Every room was used for guests, so the entire space was utilized for the soirée. After a full night of love and fun with their nearest and dearest, the newlyweds voyaged to the Hotel Esencia in Tulum for their honeymoon—but not before their guests tossed flower petals as they left the after-party.
