An Insider's Perspective

Clarice's consultant Shannon's wedding planning experience

               Although the pair had previously discussed waiting until Noah finished medical school to start their married life together, he could not wait! In January of 2019, Noah went shopping for the perfect engagement ring. “He dropped me off [to work] at a bridal show and went and bought a ring. He made this big plan to propose at [The Fabulous Fox] theater, but he literally proposed the same day because he was too excited,” Shannon said with a chuckle. “It wasn’t the most romantic gesture, but it was Noah! It was Noah, and it was so sweet.”

               Noah’s excitement carried on throughout the engagement, as he wanted to be married within a year. Shannon, however, had always dreamed of a fall wedding and wanted enough time to make that dream wedding happen. The couple settled on October and viewed various venues with October 2020 availability. “We looked at a couple venues, and nothing felt as good as Andre’s [West] did. Noah loved it, and because it was the place he loved, I was like, ‘Okay let’s just do it!” Noah was just happy to be engaged, supporting Shannon in almost everything she wanted for the big day. “Whatever I wanted, he was down with. He tried to help, too, but you know guys aren’t very good at that stuff,” Shannon joked. 

               As supportive as Noah was, Shannon found the planning process quite overwhelming. The options presented by the nature of her job at Clarice’s Bridal were ceaseless. She described the experience, “It was super weird! It was so crazy because I talk to brides all day long and hear their ideas and think, ‘Wow! I could do that!’ And there’s so many things you don’t think about for your wedding that I got an advantage with.” Even harder than general planning was picking her actual gown! Shannon felt intimidated by the endless options she had, as she was surrounded by stunning dresses. “Picking your dress is the hardest thing in the world working in a bridal salon because you could literally have anything!” Shannon explained. She started the gown hunt by letting co-workers make suggestions and having a “play” appointment with family for them to be involved. She knew she wanted a fitted gown, however, and she stuck to her vision. “I see every day how long things can be because a bride won’t stick up for what she wants,” Shannon said. “To find one that is extremely special to you and work in this industry is a really special thing.” When Kelly, a dear coworker at Clarice’s, presented Shannon with the gown, she was sure. 

               With a dress chosen and a wedding planned, Shannon and Noah went ahead with their October 2, 2020, wedding despite the coronavirus pandemic. With their priorities on one another, the pair decided to get married on their original wedding date no matter what might have happened. They were blessed to not need many adjustments in the end, and they had their “big, beautiful wedding just like [they] planned!” Shannon began the day with her bridesmaids and grandma, sharing sweet moments together. Shannon described the scene, “The morning of, I woke up with my bridesmaids. . . and I just said, ‘This is it, guys. This is the day I get married!’ and we all hugged.” After getting ready, Shannon conducted a reveal with her father, which she considers one of the most special parts of the day. The wedding was perfect, full of family and friends supporting Shannon and Noah as they stepped into married life. “I got to share that moment with my best friends, my cousin who is like a sister, [and] with both sides of my family. Being there, it felt like our two families were meshing,” Shannon said with a smile. “It was a really cool moment to look and be like, ‘Wow, our families are here for us becoming one family.’” 

               Post wedding, Shannon and Noah travelled a few hours southwest to Branson, Missouri, for a miniature honeymoon which was gifted to the couple. “After the craziness of the wedding, it was nice to just go somewhere together and relax,” Shannon said. “It was great to just spend time together and really start married life!” The newlyweds are now saving for their dream house while Noah finishes medical school and Shannon continues her work at Clarice’s. She plans to go back to school for fashion in the coming years as well! In wrapping up her wedding story, Shannon commented, “We will get our dream house and think about starting a family, and we will see where life takes us. Life is an adventure! God’s got a plan out there.” The Clarice’s staff is thrilled to see Shannon and Noah thriving as husband and wife. We are blessed to have Shannon on our team and to have supported her on her wedding journey. We wish all of life’s blessings for Shannon and Noah!

Photographer: Robb Breck Photography 

Venue and food service: Andre's West

Bridesmaids: Clarice's Bridal and JJ’s House 

Dj: House DJ

Cake: Harter's Bakery