Welcome to our blog site! This is a place for you to bask in the beauty of romance, the miracle of a man and woman finding one another in what may seem to be a neverending lonely world.
For a moment, put away your cynicsm and your doubts about marriage and romance. And allow yourself to dream, not just for everyone else, but for yourself. Yes, I believe there is a distinct and beautiful romance that is being planned in heaven just for you.
If you're brand new to our blog, I recommend you reading "Parts 1 and 2" to be completely caught up. As I mentioned, in the previous posts, I had the pleasure of meeting Shannessy, years ago in Southern California while she was still single. To this day, I'm so honored that our paths crossed, if even for a short time. Her romance story evokes hope within me, and I hope it does the same for you!
My questions to Shannessy are in bold, while Shannessy's beautifully honest answers are in italics.
And now, I present to you "Part 3" in our series:
"The Wait Is Worth It"
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What is the very first thing a bride-to-be should tackle in planning her wedding?
Ask for help. ;) BTW, I HIGHLY recommend every couple KNOW and have worked through any kinks prior to engagement. When the planning begins, there is little time, or patience to deal with heart issues that could have been addressed earlier. Christians seem to get married FAST –ours in 3 months – and that entire time is WEDDING PLANNING FILLED. And I loved it. ;) But for sure didn’t want it to last one day longer!
Technical details; church and reception venue first, this is how we determined our date since we didn’t care when (except SOON). I also have a friend who is a wedding planner so I hired her for a very inexpensive rate. If you can swing it, I HIGHLY recommend it. My mom and sisters were unable to offer much help and it takes a very special friend to give of time and emotional energy to help you. If you hire someone who is reliable and responsible it takes a lot of the pressure off.
Who were you top 3 favorite Vendors (Photographers, Catering, Location, etc.) of your wedding day?
1. The wedding planner. Even if you don’t hire a planner to actually help you PLAN the wedding, at the very least hiring someone to take care of the details of the day is PRICELESS. Then you can simply enjoy the day – and so can your family and friends. She was hands-down worth her weight in gold. Doing the finishing touches of decorating, making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to do, keeping in contact with all the vendors, making sure I was stress-less. Because of her, I could fully enjoy the whole day. ;)
2. Videographer – I almost didn’t hire one due to budget but after so many women said they watch their video more than look at the photos, I did it. I just hired a less expensive photographer. He did an amazing job and our day is now permanently on film. To be able watch something that was such an emotional blur later is a wonderful thing. We still cry when we watch it!
3. Reception hall – beautiful location, great staff, great view – we loved the woman we worked with… the decorations were AMAZING, a gift from God. A friend of a friend knew some rich people whose daughter was recently married; they let us borrow amazing things and wouldn’t take a penny. ;) I felt like a princess ;)
What was your favorite part of your wedding day?
Marrying the man of my dreams. Our first moment… (we took pics beforehand to avoid any stress after our vows were taken. Therefore earlier in the day I walked down the aisle to him and him alone. ;)… and of course, that LONG AWAITED FIRST KISS! I can tell you that was honestly the best and most exciting day of my life. ;)
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Shannessy! We love hearing about the details of your romance story and wedding.
Keep a look out for Part 4 of Shannessy and Shane's beautiful romance story. There's only 2 more parts left!
And then, after concluding our series with Shannessy, I get to introduce you to a few more brides and their amazing journeys in love. I can't wait!
Until we meet again. Be blessed and encouraged. You are already loved greatly. And you are in our prayers!
