Shelby & Matt
Our Wedding Party
Sydney Sheppard
Maid of Honor
Shelby & I have experienced all of the ups & downs you might expect between two sisters. She paved the way through underage drinking & staying out late. She always provided sound advice: When I was 5, I expressed wanting to be a kindergarten teacher & Shelby’s response “Sis, don’t limit yourself to just kindergarten; maybe you want to be an elementary teacher" wise words from a 7 year old, hey? Shelby has always been a voice of reason, a voice of putting yourself first & believing your worth. I have always looked up to her as a beautiful, & intelligent woman who did not need a man! However, I am incredibly happy that Matt stole Shelby’s heart. Both Matt & Shelby are beautiful people & I feel truly grateful that I have the best big sister in the world, & now, the best big brother as well.
Phil Doody
Best Man
Matt & I have been trying to catch fish together since the Fall of '02. Our friendship has stood the test of time, much like our patience on both the Bow River & most tee boxes. Matt & I have had each other’s back through thick & thin, like Matt's crushing election victory to student council in Gr. 12 & like my inability to net a 4LB Rainbow at George’s River. You won’t find anyone on the planet with a bigger heart or better attitude than Matt, & for that, I am forever grateful. I couldn’t be happier that Matt has found his beautiful soulmate, one so tolerant of his affinity for trout. While life took us separate ways, Matt's insatiable desire to be with me brought Matt's (& Shelby) to Calgary. I am a proud uncle to Olaf & a registered member of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Holly Whittle
Bridesmaid
Shelby and I go all the way back to grade 2 at Topsail Elementary. We’ve shared a lot of laughs & plenty of memories in our 20 years of friendship. Like the time I watched her eat bagel bites & blueberry tarts at an alarming speed and the time she survived falling from a platform at a cheerleading fundraiser (I won’t go into detail because I’m not trying to embarrass Shelby during this special time in her life). Shelby has been my voice of reason, personal nurse, & despite living across the country she continues to be a dear friend of mine. We’ve been by each other’s sides through a lot of milestones & her marriage to Matt is no different. Hate is a strong work but I absolutely don’t mean it when I talk about Shelby & Matt as they embark on this next chapter together (if you know you know)
Matt Steele
Groomsman
Matt & I first met in jr high but became friends in high school as we attended all of the same parties & played hockey together. He was always driving & me drinking, so it worked out well to get me home safe. Over the years we’ve had many good times from our days at STFX, trips to Mtl & Hfx, & a decade of fishing off the boat while renting my basement couch. We moved out West to Calgary on the same day & still enjoy doing the same things now as we did then. Matt is always up to grab a beer or a round of golf, throw on the skates, or ice fish in -30. He’s been a good friend for a long time & one of the only guys who will put down a beer to help launch or dock my boat. I couldn’t be happier he found someone who tolerates his love of the outdoors ! Wishing them a life of happiness.
Lacey Hickey
Bridesmaid
Shelby and I came together when the towns of Paradise and CBS decided to, 15 years ago at VillaNova Junior High! There were a couple things that were questionable about her, like the volume at which she sang the song Scars by Papa Roach or how many hours she can spend crashing her body against the oceans waves, but I knew we’d be best friends because she accepted the things that were questionable about me too! We have been through so much together, sharing so many laughs and travelling all over the world together, but there’s no place I’m more excited to be than by her side when she marries her best friend.
Stephen Powell
Bridesman
I've known Shelby since we've been little kids hanging out in Sunday school. Since that time our friendship has grown and I am now happy to call her one of my closest friends. We've done a lot together over the years like coaching soccer, working together and now getting to be part of her and Matt's special day. I couldn't be more proud of her and I am so honored to be included in your wedding
Brittany Pye
Bridesmaid
Where to even start with such a treasured friendship. I’ve known Shelby, the beautiful bride since we were a couple of “innocent” 11 yr olds! I remember it like it was yesterday. Our parents thought we were crazy for wanting to hang out with strangers from another community even before we started school together. We insisted! It would be the summer that started off as a long and ongoing bond that would never be broken! From that day forward mine and Shelbys friendship grew to be unbreakable. My high school best friend, my travel buddy, my personal nurse, my shoulder to cry on, my partner in crime, my best friend Even though Shelby lives so far from me today, nothing will ever change or impact our friendship. I’m so happy she found Matt and I can’t wait to see her be the most stunning bride
Dave Ivey
Groomsman
Matt & I first met at the North Sydney Forum in junior high when we both played minor hockey. We became closer playing on the same team in grade 9. In high school we went to many dances & house parties together. Matt always ensured I got home to my Nan’s safe after enjoying the occasional Rev among other drinks. We won a provincial baseball championship together in Grade 12 before moving onto golf, softball, & alcoholism in our 20’s. We both pursued rehabilitation careers & have spent time working together in the hospital prior to Matt’s move to Alberta. We have had many wild trips (Halifax, Montreal, & Arizona) & now we are both getting married just weeks apart in 2021. Even in married life, regular consults will occur on the best ways to lose money in sports betting & the stock market.
Cara Browne
Bridesmaid
I met the beautiful bride in junior high. She instantly became my nutrient loving, ocean exploring, VIP invitee, personal nurse of a best friend! Since then we have gotten just a little (lot) older and definitely wiser, because look at who she’s marrying! I am honoured to stand by Shelby’s side for yet another huge chapter in her life, because she’s been there for all of mine. Shelby has a way of making everyone around her feel special, and I can’t wait to do the same for her as one of her bridesmaids. Bring on September 2021!
Logan McIver
Groomsman
Matt & I were first introduced in the Fall of 2006 amongst the lively halls of St. FX! Matt's contagious energy, camaraderie, awful singing, & bribes of cake instantly forged him as "one of the boys" & ever since; the glue that binds friends new & old. From the lake shores of NS & the golf courses of PEI, to the nightlife in Halifax & the pubs of Boston or Calgary; we have shared many adventures! (with many more golf & fishing lessons ahead). I am honoured to stand with Shelby & Matt on their most special day. Matt & I have long been confidants to one another. When I visited Matt in St. John's several years ago, I clearly noticed Matt's happiness as he spoke of Shelby. Their relationship has been testament to the conviction; true love never takes too long; true love shows up on time.
Ashley Loman
Bridesmaid
I met Shelby when she moved to the wild west of Calgary in 2018. Shelby was looking for a job on the L&D unit I worked on & I had the privilege of orientating Shelby to this new position. We worked side by side & started carpooling to work, where soon we discovered how much we had in common! From our fur babies Oli & Olaf who we love, to our partners who would also become close friends, our friendship has continued to grow, becoming a cohort family during the pandemic. Shelby is truly one of the sweetest, kindest & smartest, humans I know. She would do absolutely anything for her friends & knows how to make people feel so loved & special. I am beyond excited & honoured to stand by her side on her special day as she marries her best friend! Bring on Sept 2021!
Jarrett Ehler
Groomsman
Matt and I met at StFX, and hit it off out of the gate, as Matt would come over to our residence and spend the Mount house dues on pizza for the MacNeil boys. That’s when I knew he was always going to be the guy who would do anything for his friends. Case in point, on two days notice, he came to PEI for three weeks to fish lobster with my dad when I couldn’t finish the season. Despite Danny’s initial skepticism, he ended up finishing the season saying Matt was “the third best fisherman he ever had in his boat”. You can always count on Matt for a good laugh, great recommendations on how to get the most protein in your meal, and some sage life advice. I couldn’t be happier he found someone so amazing to share his life with. Congratulations Matt and Shelby!
Olaf Sheppard
Ringer Bearer
I'm the only Son of the Bride and Groom. I really love my mom and dad, dog park walks, hunting, fishing, cuddles, kisses, rolling in the snow, and hiding under the bed. I tolerate my mom taking my picture all the time and hate that I will be forced into more photoshoots for this wedding, but hey whatever makes her happy. I'm super excited that my parents are finally getting married and I will be changing my name to Olaf McCormick.