What we all thought might become a very challenging day due to smoke and closures from the Saddleridge Fire turned out to be a beautiful day full of sunshine and love. Upon arriving at the site of the wedding ceremony there was barely even a trace of smoke in the air. It was a perfect day for a wedding!
Shannon and Spencer chose to have their ceremony at a relative’s house in Saugus, CA. The front lawn provided the perfect location for their intimate, rustic country ceremony with family and close friends.
Prior to the ceremony, Shannon and Spencer sent each other a gift with a letter as they chose to not see each other until the ceremony. Spencer received a watch and the surprise addition of a picture of his grandma on his boutonniere and Shannon received a bracelet.
Shannon wanted to remain hidden from her guests and her soon-to-be-groom since Shannon and Spencer opted to not have a first look. While Shannon stayed hidden, the groom and the groomsmen were able to take some portraits before the ceremony started. On this special day, Spencer was flanked by his brother and Best Man Taylor as well as his other groomsmen Derek and BR.
Then it was time for Spencer to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day as Shannon walked down the aisle in front of friends and family.
The emotions of those looking on peaked as Shannon and Spencer took turns declaring their love for each other through their vows. It is always inspiring to hear how much couples mean to each other. Shannon and Spencer declared their love for each other in their own words and there was not a dry eye to be seen.
During the ceremony, Shannon and Spencer opted to construct a unity cross to symbolize joining two together in marriage. The unity cross comes with a base, an outer cross, and an inner cross. The outer cross signifies the strong frame for how a husband protects his bride. The inner ornate cross signifies the fullness and beauty that the bride brings to her husband’s life. The crosses are held together by 3 nails representing the holy trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
After the ceremony, the guests were able to briefly congratulate the newlyweds before heading off to the reception for cocktail hour. While the guests were headed to the cocktail hour, the family and bridal party remained behind to take their portraits.
Since the Spencer and the groomsmen took photos before the ceremony Shannon and her bridesmaids took their photos after the ceremony. Shannon was surrounded by co-Maid of Honors Lisa and Tiffany and the rest of her bridesmaids Madeline, Ashley, Brittney, and Robyn.
After the group photos were completed, everyone headed over to the reception. The newlyweds were able to spend some quiet time together during their portraits before the reception while riding in a classic car.
The reception was held at the Elks Lodge in Canyon Country, CA. Dinner was provided by the men of the lodge using original recipes that they developed together at a previous club. The delicious menu consisted of tri-tip, chicken, chili, mac and cheese, and salad.
Shannon and Spencer celebrated their first dance as husband and wife by dancing to “Yours” by Russell Dickerson. During the reception, best man Taylor and maid of honor Lisa shared memories of Shannon and Spencer.
Shannon and Spencer’s cake was designed and made by Spencer’s sister, Brittney.
After the cake cutting it was back to the dance floor where everyone continued to dance the night away.
Shannon and Spencer did not opt to have a special exit from the reception, instead, they shared a Last Dance which officially concluded the reception festivities. This provided such a tender moment as the newlyweds were able to hold each other in their arms while dancing to one final song.
Matthew Nare Photography 