She Magazine FEBRUARY 2016 | Page 73

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. SHEMAGAZINE.COM CONTINUED FEBRUARY 2016 73