Shannon & Amanda
Wedding Party
Shannon Carroll
Bride
"I have learned not to worry about love, but to honor its coming with all my heart."
Amanda Claire
Bride
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
Nikki Apple
Maid of Honor
“My love for you is growing wide and long, Ja, Ja, Ding, Dong” Nikki Apple has been in Shannon’s life since they were nine. She’s a sister to Shannon and another daughter to Suzanne and Dan. In high school, Shannon can remember asking Nikki to put down the hood of her convertible (knowing it was temperamental) and regretting that ask the next morning at 6:50 AM. Nikki pulled up, still dark out, in a full parka and ice on the windshield, so Shannon ran inside and grabbed a comforter for them. No amount of years living on different sides of the country has altered their great friendship with New York, Vermont, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Texas trips. Nikki has become Amanda’s immediate friend during this tough year. It is their honor to have Nikki be Shannon’s maid of honor.
Carly Thomas
Maid of Honor
"All I see is where our days repeat, and our love goes on as our hair grows long" Carly has been Amanda's friend since high school where they got up to many antics including late night Dutch Bros and Carls Jr. runs, driving around the city blasting music, and grandma bowling! Carly first met Shannon on a wine night in SF and they had an absolute blast as they tried various wines and chatted about life. She was there when Amanda got in front of a green screen for pictures while wearing a green dress, for which Amanda was very embarrassed by. No matter the time or distance, she has remained one of Amanda's best friends who she loves deeply!
Haley Silver
Bridesmaid
“To the world we dream about and the one we live in now” Haley Silver and Shannon met at a high school Halloween party in 2010. A few weekends later, when Haley’s family went out of town, Haley stayed over and they’ve been best friends ever since. Both pledged their souls to theatre and have gotten tattoos together (and plan to get more). When Shannon is freaking out about something, Haley always knows exactly what to say with calm, loving, and rational advice. Haley is the reason Shannon and Amanda got together! She demanded Shannon get on a dating app called HER, and now here they are getting married. The brides couldn’t be more grateful for her love and friendship.
Emily Newman
Bridesmaid
"Dream without fear, Love without limits" Emily is Amanda's dear sister! She lives in Colorado with her husband Nathan (who will be an usher) and her pup Tyr. They have a very special relationship where they can lean on one another for anything along with a shared love of puppies! She is the best sister Amanda could have ever asked for and Amanda loves her with all her heart and soul! Just as Amanda stood next to Emily for her marriage, Emily will stand next to Amanda in support of her marriage to Shannon and, further, as the brides start their married life together.
Jules Silverman
Bridesmaid
“And so, my young friend, it is up to you to choose where the magic will take you. The possibilities are endless.” Jules and Shannon have known each other since high school. They have a deep bond through their love of movies, comedic television shows, sarcasm and Disney. They’ve been to Disneyland together many times, Disneybounding as characters, and would blast disney songs to stay awake on the drive home. Jules is the easiest person to talk to with more jokes in her arsenal than any professional comedian. Jules once made Shannon laugh so hard she stopped breathing. She's been a rock in Shannon's life for the past decade, and will be for decades to come.
Rali Garcia
Bridesmaid
"Being normal is vastly overrated." Rali and Amanda met at a job working for the Welcome Home Baby program and became fast friends. They share a lot of commonalities in their personality, likes and dislikes. They share a common love for the social sciences as Amanda studied Sociology and Rali Psychology. They often say that "Sociology is how people people and psychology is why people people." Amanda is so thankful for everything Rali has done for her and loves her very much!
Jill Holland
Bridesmaid
Jill and Shannon met in Spring 2011 in Vermont at Saint Michael's College's accepted students day. Before they even chose St. Mike's, they hit if off. As friends, theatre majors and senior housemates, they spent countless hours together. They could sing 100 musical songs by memory, including harmony. They served as student government representatives, and suffered as Resident Assistants. After college, they’ve gone on trips together and try to see one another at least once a year. Shannon counts her blessings that Jill remains so deeply in her life.
Daniella Rivera
Bridesmaid
“Less I wish and what if, more I will and I did.” Despite being 8 years apart, California cousin Daniella and Shannon have been close since Shannon first held her on their grandparents couch. They’ve been on countless family trips where playing card games and blasting music filled the time. In adulthood, they’ve connected on movies and shows. She’s the perfect person to express troubles and share many laughs. Daniella is always a phone call away to help Amanda and Shannon when they need it. They are blessed to have Daniella nearby to share their lives.
Suzanne Carroll
Mother of the Bride
A daughter is the universe’s way of saying, “Thought you could use a lifelong friend.”
Dan Carroll
Father of the Bride
Marriage Oak From love and respect our roots nurture. Forever branching family and friends gift their support and joy. The challenges we’ll overcome, two stronger than one. Today our world smiles. Your hand in mine we walk the miles. Faith’s stout trunk Love, Dad
Nancy Keene
Mother of the Bride
As Nancy likes to say, "She's known Amanda most of her life".
Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy
Officiant
The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy is the officiate for Shannon and Amanda’s wedding. She is currently Canon of the Ordinary of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Melissa’s career has included being assistant priest, priest-in-charge then vicar starting 2009 at the Church of the Epiphany in Oak Park, where Shannon’s family worshiped for 21 years. Shannon was active in the youth group, children and adult choir, and served as acolyte. Melissa led Shannon’s confirmation classes, directly inspiring her to become an adult Episcopalian. Amanda and Shannon are both very spiritual, and appreciate the Episcopal Church's deep acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community and work toward inclusion of all of God’s children for nearly a half-century. They are thankful for Melissa joining them in holy matrimony.
Jack Filsinger
Master of Ceremonies
“Love is patient, love is kind, love is weird, and sometimes gross.” Jack and Shannon became friends in high school through theatre. When Jack attended NYU and Shannon worked in Manhattan, they saw each other almost every day, went to every Broadway musical that came out, and enjoyed many late-night adventures. They’ve gone to Disneyland many times together with many fun and silly experiences. One time they stupidly rode the Disneyland rocket ships together even though they are the tallest members of the friend group and fully grown adults. It is meant to be ridden by a parent and their small child, Shannon and Jack’s knees may never recover. Jack has been quick to become friends with Amanda and, as always, extremely supportive.
Alex Rivera
Usher
Alex is Shannon’s cousin and first friend. Shannon could understand Alex before he even formed sentences. They spent years messing with their parents, teasing Daniella, and laughing so hard they’d cry. Alex always keeps the boredom away at any family gathering. He didn’t bat an eye and was welcoming when he found out Shannon was dating Amanda. Alex and Shannon both share a deep love for family and always look out for each other.
Nathan Newman
Usher
"Parmesan"
Kyle Kellenberger
Usher
Kyle has become a very good friend to Amanda and Shannon. He is so funny and one of the easiest people to get along with. They appreciate intellectual conversations with Kyle about life, politics or video games. Shannon always loves a good alcoholic beverage created by him, too! They cannot wait for him to be a part of their big day.
Pat Cornacchio
Usher
"You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes or their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear." Pat and Shannon are partners in crime and have spent more time laughing than ever being serious. At Saint Michael’s College, they formed a rare first year (Pat) and senior (Shannon) friendship. They both love to travel, so since Shannon’s graduation, he has visited California twice, and they spent a week in New Orleans during Mardi gras together. Pat and Amanda have so many similarities that they’ve developed a quick friendship despite him living in Massachusetts. The brides are so grateful for his friendship and hilarious shenanigans.
Alban de Raemy
Usher
Alban is a second child to the Carroll family. Coming as a Swiss foreign exchange student, Alban lived two years with Dan and Suzanne until he went to college in San Francisco. Then he and Shannon lived nearby in Oakland and San Francisco for 3 years, grabbing dinner when their busy schedules allowed. They’ve made multiple trips to see the Carroll’s in Texas. Shannon is so grateful for his hilarious and uplifting personality. Alban fits so easily into Shannon’s life, he’s amazing to her friends and adores her family. Shannon often will say “my brother” when talking about him.
Iily Carroll
Flower Child
Shannon's aunt Elizabeth's adorable grandchild!
Noah Garcia
Ring Bearer
Amanda's best friend, Rali's precious son!