B
“Being from South Carolina and Jon from Richmond, Virginia, my desire
was to reflect the beauty and elegance of the South. I knew this would best be
accomplished outside.” They chose the beautiful Tanglewood Plantation.
“Jon, Ashley, and I rode out to the property during a phase of restoration; nevertheless, we were in love with the scenic view and quickly contacted Jamie.
We knew this was the perfect venue for our wedding day dreams.” With an outdoor wedding, weather was cause for concern. So, consulting their wedding
coordinator, they invested in an extra tent.
Time passed quickly and, before they knew it, the big day arrived on October
10, 2015. That morning, Shannon woke up to a monsoon. “I was optimistic, but
I also knew that this was the day the Lord had made, and I was going to rejoice.”
She was stunning in her gown. “I knew I wanted something with a modern
antebellum flair. I chose a gown I knew would complement the plantation feel
of our wedding.” For shoes, she chose silver sandals by Antonio Melani, and her
bridesmaids wore matching wedges with their blush gowns. “For something old
and borrowed, I wrapped my late grandmother’s gold watch and pearls around
my bouquet. For something new, Jon’s mother gave me an heirloom broach
with an engraving of the McGurn family crest. For something blue, I wore blue
undergarments.” She wore her hair in a beautiful side style and her cousin Chelsea provided the makeup for both her and her bridesmaids. The groom and his
groomsmen looked dapper in their grey Michael Kors suits and blush paisley
Vienicci ties.
For rings, Jon wanted a masculine band that boasted durability. His was
engraved with “Ephesians 5:22 JPM,” a verse Shannon chose – God first, Jon
second, then herself. “JPM are his initials, but they also summarize my marital
priorities: Jesus, Patriarch, Matriarch.” Jon chose an eternity band for Shannon
with a pavé setting. Her three-stone engagement ring (representing friendship,
love, and fidelity) was designed in part by Jon. Tim and Alicia Sawyer of The
Cotton Blossom provided the beautiful floral arrangements for the ceremony
and reception.
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