Sarah + Shane

How did you meet?

The short version is that we were roommates (crazy, I know!). We met when I was finishing grad school. A mutual friend introduced us. I was looking into options for post-school housing, and Shane was looking for a new roommate as his roommate at the time was moving across the country. Our friend connected us, and on a whim I decided to go with her to look at the apartment. It was reasonably priced, in a great location, and I would have lots of my own space. I remember meeting Shane and thinking, “This guy is nice, has a clean, affordable apartment, and he is TOTALLY not my type.” We had such different interests, and I thought we would probably never see each other as I was just starting my career and working long hours. After moving in, we unexpectedly became fast friends. I remember slowly realizing that Shane wasn’t just a nice guy, he was a great guy, and our different interests were complementary rather than a deterrent. Over the course of our first summer as roommates, things started to shift, and by September Shane asked me on our first real date. The rest is history. It was totally unconventional but looking back now it feels like fate. In any other setting I would’ve written him off as “not my type,” but living together that first summer, I learned a lot about attraction and how sometimes our best match is not who we expect. I never could have guessed the love of my life was splitting rent with me!

How did you know he was the one?

There was never one single moment. It was more of a steady increase in the role he played in my life until all of a sudden I couldn’t have imagined my life without him. A few major moments included watching him bond with my family. Our first Thanksgiving together he spent with my brother, sis-in-law and baby nephew. The way they all clicked immediately and as if they had known each other forever was really amazing to me. He quickly developed a close relationship with my sis-in-law (who is one of my best friends) and I knew there was something different and special about this guy. He also became very close with my youngest sister (who was my MOH). She eventually helped him pick out my engagement ring which makes it even more special to me. We both come from big families, and those relationships are so important to us. Seeing the way that he so naturally clicked with the people closest to me was one of the single most attractive things about him.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1.The very first time I met Shane I remember being struck by his kindness. He is remarkably thoughtful, and very proactive in anticipating what other people want and need. He’s a large person (6’4″, former college football player) so for such a large person to be so genuinely sweet is singularly my favorite thing about him. He’s a giant teddy bear. 2. The guy is hilarious. Goofy through and through, totally himself, and capable of making me laugh until my ribs hurt. 3. He is so hard working. Right after we got engaged he went through a big career shift including starting grad school and a whole new career path. Shane doesn’t wait for anyone else to do the hard work for him, he jumps right in and gets to work.

Who proposed and how?

He proposed. We have a weekend tradition where we wake up, walk to our favorite coffee shop, and then go for a walk that takes us to a bay close to our apartment. It is my very favorite part of every weekend and such a special time for us to connect, catch up without any distractions, and enjoy the outdoor perks that come with living in San Diego. One weekend he arranged for some of our friends to set up a picnic blanket, champagne, pictures of us and flowers on the beach along our usual walking route. I had absolutely no idea since this walk is part of our natural rhythm together, so nothing felt out of the ordinary. On this particular morning there were a lot of dogs on the beach, and I am a HUGE dog fan, so I was really distracted watching all the dogs. I was so distracted that I didn’t even see the picnic blanket and engagement set up until Shane started leading me over to it. As soon as I saw it, I realized what was happening and burst into tears. He dropped down on one knee, asked me to marry him, and I said YES! Our friends that were hiding and watching included a photographer and the pictures are very sweet and emotional. I learned from this experience that I totally wear my emotions on my face and have no form of a poker face.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I fell in love with my dress at Lovely Bride in San Diego. I went dress shopping with my mom, future mom-in-law (she has 4 sons so it was important to me to include her and SUCH a special experience), and one of my best friends/bridesmaid. I had no idea what I was looking for in terms of style but I knew how I wanted it to make me feel. My main priorities were to feel the most beautiful I have ever felt and to be really comfortable/able to dance my booty off. I had the time of my life trying on dresses and truly tried on a full spectrum of styles and designers. From the moment I put on the Billie in lace, I went, “Ooooo, I like this.” It was an immediate and gut response. The lace was so feminine, the high neck so elegant, and the dramatic back felt so sexy. It also had the lace attachments in the back that made me want to shimmy my shoulders. It checked all the boxes, and I cannot tell you how much I loved it.

Details.

MWL Design:

Billie in lace

Venue:

The New Children’s Museum in San Diego

MUA:

Lindsey Jones

Flowers:

KO Floral Designs

Bridesmaids outfits:

I let them each select their dress! I specified navy and full length but other than that I wanted them all to feel comfortable and beautiful. One of my sisters was 6 months pregnant (with twins!), and two of my best friends had just had babies in the past 4 months, so it was much easier to let them pick their own dress. I loved the mix of styles but most importantly loved how they all felt their best.

Jewellery:

Honey Jewelry Company. Brides and bridesmaids earrings: Andrea Del Bello Jewelry, a small business and friend of ours!

Suits:

Grooms was from Nordstrom; Groomsmens were Kenneth Cole from Macy’s

Photographer:

Gantes Co.

MWL Stockist:

Lovely Bride in San Diego