Shannon & Jared

We first met these two a year ago as the planning for the wedding was just getting under way, and even since the engagements there’s been a great connection. Shannon has such striking features, coupled with a soft and quiet elegance. Her demeanor makes me think of Jackie-O with her undercurrent of poise. Jared then, is the perfect match. He’s a very calm person, quick to smile, ready to listen. Even as Shannon was busying herself with the details and the dress and making extra trips back to the house, there was Jared, looking very relaxed, sitting in the front pew in a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt. There, right in front of him was where the X marked the spot, the place where, in just a few short hours, he’d commit his life and his love to the woman of his dreams, forever. You’d think the palms would be sweaty, the eyes a bit twitched, knees maybe knocking? Nope. Not Jared. He was quietly expectant, ready for whatever the day may bring. Smiling, and not just for show. Smiling even with his eyes.

The vows were in Canton at one of my favorite churches on a very short list, and the day was as beautifully sunny and warm as could be, just right for a wedding. After the ceremony the wedding party was whisked away to Terrace Park, where everyone and there dog had gathered for the day. Literally. There was even a patch of ground ear-marked for a very classy Lassie, getting primped for her first-class pet shoot. We found throngs of couples, 2 other weddings and dozens, yes dozens, of prom-goers. There were at least 4 other photographers. 🙂 But amidst the gowns and tuxedos and cumber buns and corsages…there were these two, in a moment of bliss, and nothing that was swirling around them mattered or compared. They were strikingly in love, locked forever in one anothers eyes, and the day truly belonged to them.