page 124 X metropolitan weddings X Summer / fall 2021
written by | julie m . good photographed by | bg studios Photography
�love takes root�
From the moment that Brandy McCool saw Andrew ’ s kind eyes and genuine smile fill the screen of her cellphone as she scrolled through eHarmony , she knew there was a special spark . Though the instant attraction was there , it took nearly a month for Brandy to steady her nerves enough to send Andrew a response . As she did , she was certain he had given up on their pending conversation by that point . Much to Brandy ’ s relief and surprise , however , her conversation with Andrew took off and the two formed a fast and easy connection .
As their relationship progressed , Brandy noticed that Andrew brought a sense of calmness and serenity to her life , something she had not even realized she needed until he became so significant to herself and her two young children . Before Brandy and Andrew knew it , their oneyear anniversary was quickly approaching and the two were excited to celebrate the milestone with a vacation to Napa Valley , California . Despite his most romantic of intentions to propose to Brandy on a hot air balloon ride on the final day of their trip , Andrew could not suppress his desire to pop the question any longer . As they packed for their fast-approaching trip , luggage strewn about in the comfort and intimacy of home , Andrew asked Brandy to be his wife to which she could not wait to say “ yes .” So what was originally a trip to celebrate their one-year , soon became a trip to bask in the newly found glow of becoming an engaged couple .
With six months between their engagement and the date they planned to say “ I do ,” Brandy got to work planning her dream wedding to Andrew with some help from Pinterest and her wedding planner , Ellie . As their tranquil , faith-based wedding took shape , Brandy knew she wanted to make their big day as serene and naturally beautiful as possible . Due to the fact that her soon-to-be husband brought such a calming energy into her life , she wanted to portray the same feelings throughout their wedding . From sprigs of lavender incorporated throughout the venue to the natural surrounding of Big Cedar ’ s Garden Chapel , their special day was built around three important things – nature , tranquility and faith .
It was important to Brandy and Andrew to foster special moments throughout their wedding day that they could cherish forever . From their intimate first look and their time away together before the ceremony , to the oak tree ceremony they did at the altar , the Shireman wedding was nothing short of picturesque . Something that both the bride and groom wanted to do was to commemorate their nuptials and the joining of two families in a unique and inspiring way . The way in which they chose to do this was by orchestrating an oak tree ceremony in front of their loved ones . They planted a small oak tree in a commemorative planter and combined the soil from each of their childhood homes to help it flourish and grow . Brandy says that the oak tree was symbolic of their matrimonial bonds and it was indicative of the couple ’ s deeply rooted faith in God . The bride says that just like the mighty oak tree , their love and relationship will grow and develop over time and will ultimately be wellequipped and fully capable of weathering any storms that might come their way .
A relationship that started with shy and timid beginnings , soon flourished into a whirlwind romance that ultimately led to the joining together of two beautiful , faithful families . Andrew and Brandy Shireman are proof that things that are tended to with love , faith and peaceful patience , tend to become the most beautiful and steadfast in the end . It is easy to see through the proof of these inspiring newlyweds that when you find the right person , it is just a matter of time before love takes root . XmW