Alli &and Shannon

On your day, what was your first thought when you woke up in the morning?

Alli: Oh my gosh it is so early but I can’t believe it’s finally here! I am so beyond excited!

Shannon: I can’t believe it’s finally here! Feels like Christmas morning.

When and how did the two of you meet, and what is most memorable about your first meeting?

Alli’s Story: After receiving my second rotational assignment with BASF, I, an east coast native, moved to Royal Oak, MI (a suburb about 11 miles north of Detroit that is known for their bar scene and young professionals) in mid-January of 2013 (brrrrr) only knowing a few people from work. On my 5th day there, I attended a social event thrown together by the apartment complex I had just moved into (Village Park of Royal Oak, a.k.a ROHAB) to try and meet people. One of the residents invited me to a trivia night a few nights later. Excited to meet new people, I eagerly agreed and brought one of my friends from work so I didn’t have to go alone. As trivia was just getting started, Shannon walked in and joined the table and sat on the other end. In an effort to put myself out there and make new friends in an unfamiliar city, I went around the table and asked ALL who had joined for their phone number (including Shannon). After that, I continued to see Shannon at the ROHAB social events as I later found out, he was a resident there as well. After a few great conversations, and a little nudging from our mutual resident friends, Shannon worked up the courage to ask me on a date. Just over 4.5 years, two states, and 3 jobs later, Shannon proposed at the beautiful Hoboken water front to kick off this exciting year ahead and to start the next phase of our lives together!

Shannon’s Story: A born and raised Ohioan, I had lived in Michigan only about six months before said trivia night. I vividly remember Alli approaching me and asking only for my phone number alone. Flattered, I gave her my number and soon after that we began to speak regularly and started seeing each other. Fast forward to November of 2017, and after a few curveballs by Alli that almost foiled my plan, I got down on one knee and asked her to spend our lives together….and she, of course, said yes!

What is the most valuable thing that you have learned from each other?

Shannon: Alli is an extremely passionate person and she has taught me how to leverage that passion to vocalize what is important.

Alli: Shannon is the most kind, generous and patient person I know. I have definitely learned how to be more patient in any situation even if it is a frustrating one.

Were you dressed and ready on time?

Shannon: Yes- we were able to nail everything, down to the minute!

Alli: Actually yes! Our wedding planners were amazing and were down to the minute with timing on the day of. They were so on-point that Shannon and I did not have to worry about a thing except enjoying the day. If something did go wrong, we didn’t even know about it!

What did you base your choice of location on?

Alli: Growing up about 12 miles outside of Midtown Manhattan in NJ, New York has always been such a special place for myself and my family. I grew up going in and out of the city all the time, and after just moving to this area after living in Detroit for 5 years, Shannon and I knew we wanted to get married in the NYC area, in the winter, and as part of that have a modern wedding with a view to celebrate the magic of the city. We did not know where that might be until we saw the Rainbow Room, and once we saw the venue, we were absolutely blown away. It captures such an iconic aspect of New York City that once we looked there, no other venue compared. We loved the venue not only because it is just beyond spectacular, but also because it was not too big so we could still have that intimate feeling we wanted with all our loved ones.

What was a highlight of your wedding day?

Alli: Do I have to choose?! Everything about it was perfect. I so enjoyed getting ready with my Mom, Mother In-Law and closest friends. My first look with my dad was so special, and Shannnon and I’s first look was something I will absolutely never forget. I was so beyond excited to see him and to start sharing the day together that we had waited so long for. Taking our pictures in Rockefeller Center was such a dream, especially with our bridal parties. Our ceremony was so personal and everything we could have hoped for. The reception was incredible and probably the most fun we have ever had. If I had to pick one thing I think it would be the opportunity to celebrate our union with all of our loved ones and all that came along with that. After being together for the past 6 years we just could not wait to make it official with all our family and friends watching by.

Shannon: This is really difficult to answer because there were so many great moments. Alli looked absolutely stunning and I am so glad we did a first look to just take a few minutes to ourselves before we got carried away with the day. Overall, we were so fortunate to have all of our family and friends together to celebrate. Having the wedding at an iconic venue such as the Rainbow Room with an electric band and unforgettable food and drinks made for a party we will cherish forever!

Which feature of your wedding was the most unique?

Alli: Our ceremony was so incredibly special. Shannon and I come from different religious backgrounds and we wanted our ceremony to incorporate both backgrounds and celebrate our differences. We had an incredible Cantor who was so welcoming and supportive when it came to our desire for a joint ceremony. What was even more special was Shannon’s best friend from high school was our Christian officiant and he added such a special personal touch.

What was on your wedding day wish list?

Alli: We wanted to make every aspect of our wedding personal and a representation of us as individuals and as a couple, and we were so excited to incorporate certain elements to be able to do that. We chose our wedding date in February because we met in February of 2013, and February of 2019 was the 6 year anniversary of our first date. While it is not typical to get married in the winter, the winter had always been a special time for us for that reason. We worked in a few Game of Thrones references in there, because how could we not?! We also really wanted to pay homage to our upbringings. Shannon grew up in Springfield, OH, so him, my mom and our bridal parties walked down the aisle to the acoustic of “All of Me,” since John Legend grew up in Springfield as well. I grew up in New Jersey, across the street from Frankie Valli. My fathers side of the family is also Italian and since my Dad walked me down the aisle, we walked to the acoustic of “Can’t Take my Eyes off of You.”

Shannon: More than anything, we wanted the entire day to just be fun and personal. We are very fortunate to have so many great people in our lives and the fact that so many made an effort to join us was very humbling. My biggest “wish” was to not drop Alli during our first dance while spinning her, and luckily, my wish came true!

What song did you dance to for your first dance? Why?

Alli: We danced to a slow version of “Shut Up and Dance with Me,” by Walk the Moon. Shannon and I have been to around 30 weddings together and every time that song comes up we love rocking out to it. It reminds of us of no matter what the situation, or if we both are having a bad day, how much fun we have together as a couple. The lyrics also represent how a first dance led to wanting a future together, which is so adorable. We wanted our first dance to represent that. Once our choreographed part was done to the slow version, we had the band play the real, fast version and had all out guests rock out with us. It was freaking awesome!

What wedding planning decision was the easiest one to make? What was the most difficult?

Alli: The venue, band and photographer/videographer were all incredibly easy decisions. With both the band and photographer we met with our actual vendors and didn’t even need to see or meet with anyone else. Our main priority for the reception was to have the best time EVER and we wanted our guests to dance the night away with us. The minute we met with Bobby Attiko, we knew he would do just that. His band was incredible and we continue to get compliments that he was the best band anyone has ever seen. We completely agree with that! When we met with Joanna and Adrian, we knew we wanted them to capture our day. They seemed to just love what they do and after seeing how beautiful their portfolios are we knew right away they were perfect for us.

Shannon: As the bride, Alli had a far more difficult role than I did but she did an amazing job working with her mother to plan our wedding. I just tried to help when asked and otherwise not get in the way too much!