Timing is everything, especially for newlyweds Shannon and Ben.  Ben described the two as “two ships that passed in the night.” It is an apt depiction, considering that, despite shared friends and shared interests, chief among them college and football - of the Irish and Tiger variety - the pair failed to connect.  

Lucky for passing ships Shannon and Ben, their friends eventually turned out to be lighthouses, guiding them to one life-changing serendipitous meeting - in their friend Vivian’s kitchen at her annual pre-Mardi Gras “Kegs and Eggs” breakfast - where their two souls collided and their journey began.  

Following the pre-Mardi Gras encounter, Shannon and Ben shared their first official date at a Kentucky Derby/Cinco de Mayo party - are you sensing a theme here?  Clearly, these two understand the importance of a good party.  And as they demonstrated on a recent beautiful spring day, they certainly know how to throw one!

On the morning of that Big Day makeup and hairstylist Dominic Michael illuminated Shannon's peachy complexion and pulled back her rich auburn locks into an elegant twist.  Shannon looked simply lovely in her custom Lea-Ann Belter gown from Town and Country Bridal, fitted to perfection with an intricately beaded sweetheart bodice.  Her five bridesmaids flaunted their long, sweeping gowns of a vivid royal blue; designer Bari Jay of Bella Bridal is to thank for these goddess-like dresses.  And let's not forget about the handsome groom whose dapper suit and bow tie prepared him for the dazzling reception at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Florist Ken Miesner fashioned a flourishing bouquet of white roses that accompanied the bride down the aisle at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the towering arrangements of white lilies and roses with peacock blue and white hydrangeas at the reception.  With the help of Premier Rentals (rentals), Party Arts (linens) and Aries (lighting and draping), wedding planner Barbara Hoover achieved perfection in capturing the whim, grace and joy that encompasses Shannon and Ben. After dancing the night away to the tunes of Arvell and Company, the couple ended the night enveloped in a white sea of paper confetti and the warm smiles of close friends and family.   

Even with all that, I believe it was the genuine affection these happy newlyweds have for one another that made this special party truly unforgettable.  May their celebration never end...

Congratulations Shannon and Ben!