Jay has a very special place in our hearts. In the eight years that I have known him, he has become like a little brother to me. Allison and I knew very early on when we met Shannon that she was the One for Jay. At my 30th birthday party, a few weeks into Jay and Shannon dating, they played the basketball free-throw arcade game and of course Jay’s ultra competitive side came out. Instead of running away, she loved it! That was the moment that we knew that she was the One.
Fast forward two years later and I got the honor of both standing up while one of my best friends got married and getting to capture their big day. The bride was gorgeous, the groom handsome, and the weather a perfect sunny day (despite the mosquitos)! Seeing Jay standing on a gorgeous path in Fox River Forest Preserve, nervous, yet excited, waiting for his beautiful bride to come up and tap him on the shoulder filled my heart with love. All of his nervousness washed away as he saw Allison and I uncontrollably smiling once we saw Shannon walk down the path. The portraits, and most of the ceremony, flew by in a fun, happy whirlwind of smiles and tears. Then time stopped. Just as Shannon’s uncle pronounced them husband and wife, two white butterflies flew over Jay and Shannon. Everyone in attendance knew that Jay’s dad, who passed away eight years ago, was with Jay and Shannon in that moment.
Hearing Shannon’s best friends hilariously describe the girl that we have come to love got everyone laughing. Evidently Shannon has always been a professional planner and decorator, which she definitely proved on her wedding day. The rustic wine barrels and cedar alter paired perfectly with the fall colored flowers that really popped in the September sun. Everything was predictably gorgeous, and very Shannon. She even had a large J and S made out of wine corks at the reception to deck out the already immaculate Avante Banquet Hall.
Jay and Shannon, we love you guys so much! Seeing how happy you are together and seeing how you bring out the best in each other fills our heart with joy. You had the most amazing wedding day and we want to thank you for letting us be a part of it. You both have incredible families that welcomed us in with open arms. We really enjoyed getting to know your parents, brothers, and friends a lot better. You two make competition fun - keep that up! You have a very bright future ahead of you, which we a happy to be a part of!
