Shannon +Chris

How did you meet?

We met through mutual friends after college! Some of my friends knew some of his friends and we all got together to celebrate a birthday. I wish I could say it was love at first sight, but we definitely needed to become friends first!

When did you know they were the one?

After 6 months in the friend-zone, we went on a dinner date and just never really stopped spending time together. There was never an exact date or moment that told me Chris was the one. I knew he was special right away and I always felt so lucky to know him – I still do

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?-

His humour – I will never say that Chris is funnier than I am, but I will say that he is pretty close! We have an amazing time together, filled with laughter, and I would never trade that.
His heart – Chris is so patient and so even keel. He is always the person I would want to go through something with, good or bad.
His smile – He has one of those great smiles that lights up an entire face. When you can get Chris laughing, which isn’t hard, it’s impossible not to smile along.

Who proposed and how?

Chris proposed by planning a surprise event with all our friends and family at the restaurant where we had our first date! I had no idea. Honestly, if I would have known, I would have dressed so much cuter! I thought I was meeting up with some friends and when Chris showed up – everything clicked. It was a perfect day and the best memory.

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

I first tried on the Andy at Bride. in Kansas City! I knew right away! It was fun, a perfect fit for my venue, so unique and so ME! I felt supported, beautiful, glamorous and comfy. The square neckline. The sequins. The boning. I tried on a few other dresses – just to make sure – but the Andy was my dress! I bought it that day and waited not so patiently for the day I could finally wear it! I also wore the Holly Veil and it was a match made in literal heaven.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

The first look between Chris and I is something I hope to always remember. It’s such an awesome thing to get a private moment on your big day and I cherished it. Seeing him turn around and light up, then the giant bear hug that followed was just amazing. No more nerves or anxiety, only excitement at the rest of our lives together!

What were your favourite details?

Well, my dress, of course. It was truly a statement piece and photographed like a dream.

We had custom cocktail napkins of our two dogs; it can’t get cuter than that! The pheasant feathers in my bouquet were from the groom’s bachelor party and our table numbers each had a place important to us, along with a story of why! We also brought in some 3 foot tall marquee letters to spell out ‘The Hamiltons’ and oh my gosh – the whole place just looked amazing. Those personalized touches made our day feel so special!

What advice would you tell other brides?

TAKE. A. MOMENT. TO. SOAK. IT. IN. The day goes by fast, so fast. There are friends and family to talk to, food to eat, songs to dance to. Make sure you are soaking it all in and taking mental pictures. It’s truly such a special day and you’ll want to remember as much as you can! The feelings – the nerves – the excitement – everything!