About the Couple
The Story of Us:
It all started with a swipe. On a cool October day in 2022, the stars aligned and Shannon and Ethan matched on Tinder. While Ethan states that it was Shannon's beautiful smile that caught his attention, it was Ethan's cat, Ren, who caused Shannon to swipe right. Who knew the best wingman was a cat? After our first date, which was supposed to be a short dinner, lasted 7 hours, we knew we were meant to be. Through a combined love for animals, family, and trying new things, we were not only partners, but also best friends. Even though the majority of our first year together was spent having "nap dates" (a date in which Shannon did school work and hung out with Ethan's cat, Ren, while he slept before working 3rd shift), it became apparent that we had found each other's partner for life. From hiking around Wisconsin to trying the newest Sushi restaurant, we quickly became inseparable.
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After 6 months of dating, Shannon graduated from Carroll University and landed a job in Madison. We decided to get our first apartment together so that we could still enjoy each other's company, even though our lives were becoming busier and busier. Shannon's cat, Lemmy, and Ethan's cat, Ren, became best of friends and we are so grateful for all of the memories we were able to make in our very first cozy home. Once our year lease ended, Shannon landed her dream job as a Wildlife Rehabilitator and Ethan started his plumber apprenticeship. We were lucky enough to be able to move in with Ethan's family to continue saving for our own house as well as our future wedding. (Shannon told her mom Ethan was the man she would one day marry after only a month of dating, so this wasn't a surprise to anyone!)
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By the time we got engaged on October 25th 2024, we had been together for exactly 2 years and had our little fur family of 5. Since Ren had unfortunately passed away, we had adopted a little brown tabby named Bear. A few months later, Ethan had then discovered a tiny kitty companion that followed him into his truck at work. We fell for her cuteness and ended up adopting and naming her Bitsy. Luckily, on June 13th 2025 we moved into our very first house in Germantown, WI. Between work and wedding planning, we have been busy turning this house into our dream home. Some of the key details that have already been added include a few Todd Steiner creations such as a brand new deck and a "catio" or safe outdoor enclosure for the kitties!
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Together, we've discovered that the best adventures are the ones we create with each other and we are so grateful to have met. Join us this fall as we say "I do" and kick off the next phase of our life together in one of our favorite places. We are so excited to share this day with all of our loved ones who have supported us through this journey. With so much love, Ethan, Shannon, Lemmy, Bear, and Bitsy!