Shannon & John
Wedding Party
Michele Herzog
Maid of Honor
Shannon and Michele met when the McCarren’s moved into their Media, PA house when Shannon and Michele were two years old. Both girls, having only an older brother, found it only natural to become sisters. From Boston to Nashville, they have remained close friends. Michele: You have always been such an important presence in my life. I have never felt slighted by not having a blood sister because I have you. It will be an immense honor to have you stand by my side (as you always have) when I enter this exciting new chapter.
Holly Abdul
Bridesmaid
Holly and Shannon’s friendship started when they were in second grade. Even though they lived in the same neighborhood, Holly and Shannon didn’t become friends until they both had the same teacher and would ride the bus together to and from school. Sadly Shannon had to move schools the following year so they didn’t see each other often. Fast forward a few years and they somehow ended-up on the same bus again! They immediately picked up where they left off and were inseparable ever since. Holly: I am so thankful to have you as a friend. You are an especially loyal person, you have such an amazing charm about you, and I feel so incredibly understood by you. Thank you for being an unconditional and true friend. My big day means much more that you are a part of it.
Maddy Moberg
Bridesmaid
Maddy and Shannon met when Maddy moved into the house directly behind Shannon's. They quickly bonded over the fact that they were both attending the same kindergarten that fall; even though they didn't make it into the same class, Shannon and Maddy spent almost every moment they could outside of school playing together and watching for the ice cream truck. 21 years later, they are still extremely close friends. Maddy: I love our friendship. I love that we are always able to pick up where we left off like no time has gone by. Most of all, I am appreciative for your kind-hearted, intelligent, and caring soul. I am so incredibly honored to be your friend, I couldn't imagine this day without you!
Maddie Norris
Bridesmaid
Maddie and Shannon met around the age of 8. Maddie and her father were taking a walk and came across Shannon and her dad outside. They immediately clicked so Maddie stuck around for awhile longer. When it came time to leave, she hid in Shannon's house until she was finally found and had to go home. From that day on they did everything together: softball, music lessons, summer camps, the list goes on. Their friendship has remained to be one full of growth, understanding and lots of fun. Maddie: You are a person that has brought so much color to my life. You are always the supplier of joy and laughter and you constantly challenge me to grow. I would truly be a lesser woman without you. I am proud that you have agreed to stand with me.
Maggie Gruehn
Bridesmaid
Maggie and Shannon first met when Shannon moved schools in 8th grade. It wasn't until a shared history class and PE class in 9th grade that the girls got to be extremely close, both in and out of school. Even today, they both make it a priority to keep tabs on each other and to see each other whenever Shannon makes it back to Philadelphia. Maggie: Everyone knows that you are an extremely fun person to be around; but as someone who has gotten the privilege to be your friend, I know that there are few as devoted as you. Thank you for agreeing to be a part of my big day!
Bri Webster
Bridesmaid
Bri and Shannon met when Bri moved to Nashville for a year to take on an internship and to live with her then boyfriend (now husband) Ryan. It was a quick and easy friendship that was fueled by many nights of wine and Netflix shows that we couldn't convince our guys to watch. Bri: In such a short time you have become such a big part of my life. You came into my life at a time when I was adjusting to adulthood; without you, that time would have been much more challenging. You are easily one of the most trustworthy, caring, and optimistic people I have ever met. I was so honored to be a part of your wedding and now I am so elated that you are going to be a part of mine!
Maggie Pope
Bridesmaid
Maggie and Shannon met the first summer that Shannon and John were dating. It was easy for Shannon to feel welcomed to the family partly because Maggie was so kind and easy to get along with. Even though Maggie has lived in Virginia through the entirety of John and Shannon's relationship, Shannon and Maggie have always found many opportunities to enjoy one another. Maggie: I am so glad that I picked a man with a sister, and even more grateful that it was you! You are such an easy-going, funny, and caring person. I really couldn't ask for more. I am so thankful for you and I am so excited to officially become sisters!
William Pope
Best Man
William aka Bill is the brother of the Groom. John and Bill first met on the day of Bill's birth, which neither of them remember. The two often butt heads as children, as siblings often do. They had different interests which didn't help. However, the two have grown very close in the golden years of their twenties, so it was a no-brainer that Bill would be the best man. His charm and unwavering support of his big dummy brother proves this. Bill I am glad you will be standing next to me on the most important day of my life, as my friend and my brother. Love you.
Andrew Berry
Groomsman
Andrew and John met in first grade at Percy Priest Elementary, making Andrew John's oldest friend. They bonded over their love of sports, particularly invisible football, a lost sport that uses no ball, because balls were dangerous for children for 2 months in 2002. When elementary school ended and it came time to choose new schools, John wanted to go where Andrew went since they weren't in the same class for two straight years. That school was FRA, where John would eventually meet and make more lifelong friends. Andrew, I am honored that you will be standing with me on my Wedding Day. I couldn't imagine such a day without you there. Love you brother.
Raleigh Barnes
Groomsman
Raleigh and John met in 5th grade, John's first year at FRA. Raleigh was assigned as John's "buddy," a veteran FRA student who would help new students assimilate. Little did they know that they would still be close friends over 15 years later. John is lucky enough to still live in town with Raleigh and their other high school friends. It makes golf outings much easier to coordinate. Raleigh, its an honor to have you with me on my Wedding Day. I couldn't imagine it any other way. Love you brother.
Brett Ravener
Groomsman
John first met Brett in Honors English their freshman year of High School, however, they wouldn't become the friends they are today for a few more years. That wouldn't have any impact on how close of friends they would become. Bonding over baseball and music, their friendship would keep growing through college and into the present. Brett, I am so happy you will be with my on my Wedding Day. I couldn't see it any other way. Love you Brether.
Spencer Barnes
Groomsman
Spencer and John met their Freshman year at Belmont University at a dorm mixer. Over the span of a few hours, a friendship began, all starting with a late night music write-up from the RA. They would spend the next four years as partners in crime along with Ryan Webster, definitely not drinking underage. Spencer ended up going to Florida State for his Masters and PHD, so the two remain friends from a distance, eagerly looking forward to their next meeting. Spencer, I am so happy that you will be with me on my Wedding Day. It wouldn't be right without you. Love you brother.
Ryan Webster
Groomsman
Ryan and John met at the same Dorm Mixer where they met Spencer. Ever since that one night, they three would be thick as thieves. Ryan and John lived on the same floor in Maddox Dorm, so John was frequently hopping across the hall to Ryan's single room where shenanigans were the norm. The shenanigans would continue for 5 more years until Ryan too moved back home where he met his beautiful wife, also in the wedding party. These two also eagerly await the next time they can get together. Ryan, I am honored to have you with me on my Wedding Day. It wouldn't be right without you.
Connor McCarren
Groomsman
Connor and John met for the first time when Connor was in Nashville visiting his sister, the Bride. They both share a love of sports, which made bonding easy. Since Connor lives in Philadelphia, John hasn't spent as much time with him as he would like, but he looks forward to spending more and more time with him now that they will be family and all. Connor, I am honored to have you with me and your sister on our Wedding Day and I look forward to calling you Brother.
Scout
Flower Girl
John and Shannon first met Scout in late March of 2016. They drove up to Kentucky to go pick out a puppy for Shannon’s birthday/graduation present. When they got to the farm, one puppy with a pink color greeted Shannon hello and then proceeded to play with John so they knew that they had found their little girl. Our wedding day would be incomplete without our sweet Scout. She is what upgrades us from a couple to a family. It only makes sense that she would be apart of the ceremony that makes our family official!