{SBB Bride of the Week} Shannon

S H A N N O N

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J O S H U A

{June 29th, 2024}

{Photos by: Wendy Schreier Photography}

She is a ray of sunshine!

Introducing our beautiful bride, Shannon!

For her summer wedding, Shannon chose a stunning A-line gown by Madi Lane! The leafy lace and subtle sparkle is perfect for a June wedding!

She perfected her look with a veil from Bel Aire Bridal!

{Photos by: Wendy Schreier Photography}

For her stunning flowers, Shannon entrusted Meghan with Blooms on Brassie to create all of her florals!

The pops of color are so gorg!

{Photos by: Wendy Schreier Photography}

Shannon married the love of her life, Josh, in a beautiful ceremony at their church, St. Josephs!

{Photos by: Wendy Schreier Photography}

After the happy couple said their I do’s, everyone headed to Orland Chateau in Orland Park for the reception!

{Photos by: Wendy Schreier Photography}

How did the newlyweds first meet? We’ll let Shannon tell the story! 

“My husband, Josh, and I met in college in late 2015. I was attending Illinois Wesleyan and Josh was attending Illinois State University, which are both close to each other in Bloomington. My good friend was having her birthday party at her boyfriend’s house (who happened to be my husband’s roommate). It was November and snowing, so luckily my little sister encouraged me to go. We were playing games when my husband came in and that was history. From there we both graduated as music majors and went back to school to become music teachers.”

How did Josh pop the question?

“Josh did a wonderful job planning a very sweet proposal. He had his family and my family in on the whole thing. My family said we were all going out to lunch at Wiley’s Grill to celebrate my first play I directed as a teacher, but it was really for the proposal.  When I got to the restaurant with my family, Josh met us out in the parking lot. He walked me into the restaurant (while my family went to go ‘look at the golfers’) and out to the patio where he had a bonfire going. He had me put my bag down, and walked me out onto the grass. He had a really sweet speech planned, and finally got down on one knee and asked. I just shouted ‘Finally!’ and took the ring out of his hand, only to give it back to him and tell him to put it on me. After that, our families came out and celebrated with us. We had a nice lunch with champagne, and everything was honestly perfect. Josh knew that I wanted something sentimental and with family, and that was exactly what he gave me.” 

SO sweet!

Was it a surprise or did Shannon know it was coming?

“I knew the proposal was coming, but I had no idea about any of the details. Josh’s family has a lovely tradition of using a jeweler who has made the rings for his grandparents, parents, and brother. We went there and I was able to design every aspect of my ring (white gold, radiant cut with diamonds on the band). Once the ring was designed, I will be completely honest in saying that I was incredibly impatient. I asked every chance I got if we had special plans or if I needed to get my nails done. Luckily, Josh knew how to keep me away from his actual plan so it was still a huge surprise.”

After she finally snagged the ring, it was time to say “yes!” to the dress!

“My dress buying experience was incredible! I had been to Something Blue as a bridesmaid, and had loved how kind everyone was and how beautiful the dresses were. I made a mental note to return when it was my turn to be the bride. So the first time I went to try on dresses, I took my sister, which was fun and low stress. Her and I picked a variety of dresses that fit in my budget, and tried them on. The ones we liked, the store was able to put on hold for when we came back with my family and friends. I came back a week or so later, but this time with my sister, mom, future mother-in-law and future grandma-in-law, and cousin.” 

How did she know her dress was "the one"?

“After I tried on the ones that we had held, I was still feeling like they just weren’t the one. My sister asked to bring back one of the dresses that we had tried on but put back. As soon as I tried on the dress I felt amazing. It was a beautiful Madi Lane a-line dress, with spaghetti straps, ivy leaf detailing and sparkles. I also loved that it was comfortable and easy to move in because I wanted to make sure I could dance in it at the reception!”

When it comes to wedding planning, what was Shannon’s favorite {and least favorite} part of the process?

“My favorite part of planning the wedding was being able to be creative and see my vision start to come to life. I loved picking the colors, hair and make up, invitations and everything in between.

My least favorite part of planning the wedding was making sure that everything was accomplished and paid for, which lead to some more stressful moments.” 

Looking back, what was her favorite moment from her wedding day?

“The whole day was honestly so magical. On the day of, I felt like I had planned every detail as best as I could and I just wanted to be present and enjoy the day. 

Some of the standout moments for me were getting ready with my bridesmaids in the morning, being introduced as husband and wife, and the speeches and dances.” 

What is the best piece of advice Shannon can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?

“My biggest piece of advice for any brides-to-be planning their wedding is that it’s your day, so make sure that you’re making decisions and plans that are authentic to you - not trying to please anyone else. Also, be organized, and enjoy the process of planning because it goes by so fast. Enjoy being a bride!”

Congratulations, Shannon and Josh!!

Check out more of their gorgeous wedding photos by Wendy Schreier Photography in the gallery below!