J. ANNE

In the Dominican, they say that if it rains hard one day, then it probably won’t rain the next.  So, on Sunday, when the clouds parted and drenched everything at the Hard Rock Resort in Punta Cana, Shannon was happy.  It was the day before her wedding, and as the rain drops pounded her shoulders, the weight of rain on her wedding day lifted off of them.

The weather superstition held true the following day with bright blue skies, puffy white clouds, and gorgeous turquoise water.  The day began with the guys getting ready, and from that first moment, the laughter, dancing and fun never ceased.  All of the members of Shannon and Bishop’s wedding party were a true representation of their love and character.  Their friends laughed with them throughout the day, cried happy tears to see them wed, and were willing to go above and beyond to serve their wedding-day needs.  Because that’s what Shannon and Bishop do.  They take care of people.  They laugh, they have fun, all the while they make sure that everyone around them is taken care of… making sure their needs are met… and making sure that they are having fun, as well.  Their wedding day was a true testament to everything that Shannon and Bishop embody as individuals, and what their marriage will stand for together.

I think that the photo on the right, below, is the only photo that I have of the guys being serious.  I’m pretty sure a dance party ensued directly following this photo.

There were audible gasps from Shannon’s bridesmaids as she slipped into her gorgeous wedding gown!

Shannon’s bridesmaids all got together one night to create their own individual wedding bouquets!  And Shannon’s bouquet was created by Bouquet Couture.

When I took the photo on the right, my stomach did a flip flop.  I checked the back of my camera display, and I ran to Shannon to show her immediately.  Beauty like that just had to be shared.

Shannon and Bishop had several family members who weren’t able to attend their wedding due having passed on… They represented these members of their family by displaying framed photographs on the aisles of the ceremony which were then moved over to sit with Shannon and Bishop at the head table of the reception.  I took a quick moment to take photographs of the guests with their family members who were unable to join them on such a special day.  Although very difficult to photograph, this proved to be one of my favorite parts of the day.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Jackson!!  To say that I was honored to document your wedding would be a huge understatement.  I am humbled to have been able to share this day with you, meet your friends and family, and to have made memories that will last a lifetime.