Shannon + Jeff

How did you meet?

We met at post secondary school! Both my husband and I studied Paramedicine for 2 years, but only really began to speak to each other halfway through! We were both in the let’s-get-school-done-so-we-can-start-our-jobs mindset, so beginning a new relationship was probably the last thing on our minds. One of our mutual friends from class threw an end of year party, and from then on we’ve been inseparable.

When did you know they were the one?

I knew he was the one when he started to know I was getting hangry before I knew I was getting hangry.

But in all seriousness, I knew he was the one when he displayed how elegantly he could balance his work life, family life, and our life. It felt like we were so symbiotic and honestly meant for each other.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His ability to laugh at himself is by far my favourite quality! After that would have to be his work ethic as well as his ever present state of calm. He truly enhances every moment of the day with his attitude and I love that so much.

Who proposed and how?

He proposed to me. He did the whole fake photo shoot situation, which ended up being the proposal. It’s so nice to have photos of that moment!

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

I went shopping with my mom and two sisters at The Modern Bride in Guelph, ON.

I originally went to this specific store as it carried your Louie flowy dress! I tried on multiple MWL gowns, but Penny was the first one to really take my breath away. Penny was also the first fitted gown I tried on rather than the flowy styles I went in for. I am not the most curvy gal, but I felt so BEAUTIFUL and womanly in Penny that I knew (as well as my family) that that was the gown for me. We immediately tried the Holly veil on, and that was the cherry on top.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

My husband and I giving our thank you speech at dinner takes the cake 100%. Neither my husband or I grew up in the town we live in now, so all of our family, friends, and lifelong family friends travelled for hours just to celebrate us. Standing up in front of all of the people we love, and having them all in the same room at one time, was honestly so so special to us. It’s a moment that we’ll probably get once in a lifetime, and I’m so so grateful. And now I’m crying just thinking about it!

What were your favourite details?

I had our cat’s face engraved on my husband’s cufflinks. Our cat (Ollie) is my husbands bff, and he would say multiple times how sad he was that Ollie couldn’t come and be his best man. I had to incorporate him into the day somehow, so giving my husband those cufflinks was super special.

What advice would you tell other brides?

It sounds so cliche, but your wedding day really does fly by. BUT, with that said, if you’re the bride (or groom), everyone has to move at your speed, because HELLO you’re the bride! So make of the day what you want – say hi to who you want, eat what and when you want, and sit when you want!

Any standout vendors?

My husband and I both incorporated our favourite things into the wedding for cocktail hour to try to personalize it a little more. To represent myself, we had a cold brew coffee and tea bar – Ollie’s Coffee Cart – and for my husband we had an ice cream station – The Ice Box. These vendors were spectacular and added that extra umph we were looking for.