The Meet Cute : Although they lived within ten miles of each other and received their master ’ s degrees from the same school , they didn ’ t connect until years later on Hinge .
The Engagement : Matt brought Shannon to Portsmouth for the weekend to visit his sister and invited both of their families to join . After an early-morning surf session , he proposed on the beach while they were both still in their wetsuits .
The Venue : The couple enjoyed a private first look and exchanged personal vows away from the bustle of the wedding party . After an ocean view ceremony and cocktail hour at the Casino Courtyard at the Towers in Narragansett , the whole crew headed upstairs for a massive dance party with all their family and friends . “ The rustic romantic look of the Towers was a huge selling point for us ,” Shannon says . “ Coupled with the ocean , including one of our favorite Rhode Island surf spots , it was the perfect location for us to start our lives together .”
The Highlight : “ The dance party was unreal ,” Shannon says . “ The goal we had for our wedding was for it to be a fun time and for everone to let loose . Being surrounded by our friends and family while we all danced was a dream come true .”
The Accents : Along with the enthusiastic wedding party , the couple recruited loved ones to fill in as adult flower men and women at the kid-free ceremony . Upstairs , they gave out colorcoordinated sunglasses to indicate where guests should sit . At the dinner tables , guests could take a look at the table sign and see one of the many locations Shannon and Matt have surfed . The guest book matched the theme as a glossy wooden surfboard for loved ones to inscribe their well wishes to the newlyweds .
The Advice : “ The best advice we got was that no one will know the minor imperfections except you , so don ’ t think twice , and enjoy your day !” says Shannon .
June 9 , 2023
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