Shannon found romance with Ken when visiting a hometown friend. Although she resisted at first, once she opened her heart to love, she got so much more in return. And when Shannon and Ken tied the knot, they planned a rustic chic wedding with loads of style. From the gorgeous floral centerpiece arrangements to the kid-friendly ice-cream sundae bar, this wedding is simple elegance at it’s best!
Shannon + Ken | June 12, 2010 | Three Rivers, California
How they met
Ken and I met at a restaurant in my hometown. I was visiting with an old friend when Ken, along with his brother and friend, asked if they could sit at our table on the patio. He was bold with a great smile. At first I resisted dating a guy who lived back in my hometown, but after our first date I knew the relationship was on a runaway train that I didn’t want to stop. We were engaged 10 months later and I moved back to my hometown to be with him and his two amazing children.
The Ceremony
We knew we wanted our ceremony to be outdoors with some kind of water element. As soon as I saw the White Horse Inn and met the owners I knew it was the right place. Not only are there lush greens everywhere, but the sound of the river rushing by is amazing. To go along with the setting and our laid back style we chose a rustic but chic decor style.
The Reception
A large piece of our love story includes Ken’s two children, Andrew and Isabelle. We really wanted the ceremony and reception to include the kids and be a child-friendly event. Andrew and my nephew pulled the niece who brought us to our first meeting in an old wagon to go with our “rustic chic” wedding style. Isabelle and my older niece, came in together in darling cowgirl boots. The kids were our only wedding party to stand up with us during the ceremony and I am so grateful them and their participation. To top off the fun for the kids and adults we included a photo booth and ice cream bar at our reception.
The moment that Shannon will never forget
The moment I will never forget is having the opportunity to have my Dad walk me down he aisle and to share a father-daughter dance. My Dad has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s since 2001 and he was having a rough morning that day. He hurt his back and was unable to walk which my family kept a secret from me. However, miracles happen and he recovered in time to walk me down and made it through our first dance. To be honest, with my gorgeous Badgley Mischka shoes and his health, we were both holding each other up!
How Shannon knew her wedding dress was “The One”
I looked at three bridal boutiques in different cities before finding my dress and just like my husband, I fell in love with a dress that was in my hometown. I am somewhat curvy and really liked the dresses with good structure versus the silky hanging fabrics. As soon as I put my final dress on, we all knew it was the one. Instead of wearing a veil, I opted for one gardenia which is my mom’s favorite flower and what she carried in her bridal bouquet.
Why Shannon decided to sell her dress
I chose to sell my dress so that I could give someone else the opportunity to wear an amazing dress that was a part of the best day of my life, while it’s still in style. The construction is amazing and the bustle is custom made. I would love to know that the dress was a part of another wonderful day and another father-daughter dance!
Shannon’s wedding dress: Romona Keveza
Photography: Tiffany Aicklen
