Wedding Party
Sami
Maid of Honor
Sami is known (kind of) jokingly as Shannon and Ian's sister-wife. She is the third being in their marriage, the one who married them originally, and the one who made a lot of this happen. She and Shannon met their freshman year of college when they began living together, and they've been bonded like sisters ever since. Sami is one of the most kind-hearted, genuine, thoughtful people one could ever have the fortune of meeting. She gives 110% to every person in her life, and expects nothing in return. She's been Shannon (and Ian's) support system from the beginning, and we love her immensely.
Cameron
Best Man
Cameron is Ian's younger brother and best man to the awesome man. Cameron and Ian have been brothers for a little long time. They grew up together and, even though Cameron always looked up to Ian, they were always in trouble. Cameron got his good looks from Ian. Cameron is the type of person to literally give the shirt off of his back to help those in need, and he has helped Shannon and Ian a countless number of times without ever asking anything in return.
Jackie
Bridesmaid
Jackie and Shannon first met during recess in 4th grade when Jackie moved to the area. Jackie and Shannon would spend entire summers sleeping at each other’s houses and never getting sick of each other. They joke that Shannon annoyed Jackie into being her friend, and thank goodness for that persistence all those years ago!
Adam
Groomsman
Adam and Ian have been friends for as long as they can remember. They grew up together in the homeschool world, and every weekend (and I mean EVERY weekend), they would go hang out at the movies. Two bros living the dream. Despite being younger, Adam has always been a good source of wisdom for Ian.
Samantha
Bridesmaid
Samantha is one of Shannon's cousins. Being close in age, the two were always close, and can usually be found at family events together. Samantha hears more than probably anyone else about the daily happenings in Shannon and Ian's lives, and is always ready with a witty remark.
Ryo
Groomsman
Ryo and Ian met a few years back working in the trades as flooring installers. Putting up with Ian's craziness has been the highlight of Ryo's life. Ian started his own company, and Ryo stuck with him throughout the journey, and continues to stick by his side to this day.
Veronica
Bridesmaid
Veronica is Shannon's older sister. Veronica and Shannon have an 8 year age difference, but time has only brought them closer together. They both have a similar sense of humor, and can often be found at family events laughing at incredibly inappropriate times.
Anthony
Groomsman
Anthony has been Ian's brother for 31 years, and Ian has looked for ways to get under his skin that entire time. From farm life to working on tile, Anthony has been there. Ian taught him everything he knows, and Anthony has taught Ian a thing or two in return.
Terri
Bridesmaid
Terri and Shannon first met when they were 4 years old. They spent a lot of time together growing up, and participated in many activities ranging from church events, to school, to soccer, and eventually going to Michigan State together. Terri is the person Shannon can always count on to show up with her to an event, albeit 45 minutes late.
Heidi
Groomswoman
Heidi is Ian's youngest sister. She was always with Ian when he did landscaping at their childhood home. She thinks Ian is the best brother she's ever had, and we think she's a pretty great sister, too.
Rae Anna
Bridesmaid
Rae and Shannon became close in high school where, in addition to playing soccer together, they spent a lot of time discussing the teenage basics; boys, drama, and dogs. They continue to discuss these things to this day.
Jeremy
Groomsman
Jeremy has also been Ian's brother for 31 years. Jeremy taught Ian a thing or two about guns, and now from time to time, Ian is learning Jeremy a thing or two.
Amy
Bridesmaid
Amy and Shannon first met in elementary school. They grew up attending the same schools and living close to one another, but their friendship grew closer when they began playing soccer together. Amy may be younger than Shannon, but she's always been an inspiring role model for her.
Echo
Groomspup
You may be asking yourself, "did these people seriously include a dog in their wedding? And are they seriously calling him a groomsman?" Yes. Yes we did. In fact, Echo is one of three dogs who will be standing with us in the wedding. Echo is a 5 year old Shepherd/Husky mix. He was our first dog, and continues to be the best first dog possible. He tricked Ian into liking dogs, and into thinking they were easy to care for. He's the perfect mixture of loyal, loving, dramatic, and stubborn. He will most likely be found throwing a tantrum during the ceremony, because everything (rightfully) is about him.
Ashlind
Bridesmaid
Ashlind and Shannon first met about 5 years ago when they worked together. At first, Shannon was convinced that they would not get along. Ashlind was tall, beautiful, and had all of her poop in a group. Quickly, though, she realized that Ashlind is an incredibly kind, selfless, down to Earth person, and they bonded over their love for dogs. They can usually be found together covered in dog fur and with pockets full of poop bags.
Dagger
Groomspup
Dagger is Shannon and Ian's second dog. He's a 3 year old German Shepherd and is the dog Shannon always dreamed of owning. Dagger is an incredibly loyal companion who absolutely loves his people. Anywhere Shannon and Ian go, Dagger goes. He helps Shannon with her dog training, helps keep Ian company when he works outside, and helps amp his brother's up when the house is feeling a little too calm. Dagger will most likely be found dropping toys at people's feet, then backing up while wagging his tail until they kick it.
Lexan
Officiant
Lexan and Shannon first met when Lexan worked at a hair salon Shannon went to. After spending hours together getting the perfect hair, Shannon and Lexan developed a true friendship. Shannon began getting her nails and hair done regularly, something that was very different for her, just to be able to spend more time with her new friend. During one particularly memorable nail appointment, Lexan (9 months pregnant at the time) was struggling to get Shannon's nail art to stick, and was consequently sent into labor from the sheer frustration. After a moment like that, your relationship either immediately dies, or it grows. After all these years, Lexan knows more about Shannon and Ian's relationship than most, and she is the perfect person to help them renew their vows.
Barrett
Groomspup
Barrett is a 2 year old Leonberger, and is Shannon and Ian's third and final dog (for now). Barrett loves giving kisses, drinking all the water he can, and annoying his brothers. As a puppy, he learned that barking at Echo inevitably made him howl, which made Dagger howl, and thus the choir was born. He may look slow and lazy, but this boy has caught more squirrels than both of his brothers combined. He's fiercely loyal, scares away all of the wildlife, and absolutely loves climbing up in his mom's lap for snuggles. He will most likely be found collapsed in a heap at the ceremony, breathing so loudly that no one can hear.