Wedding Day

Wedding

1010 West

Reception

Our Wedding

Ivy's Version

To Swipe or Not to Swipe&hellip;..That is the Question

A couple of friends told me how fun it was to get&nbsp;on a dating app and swipe left for guys who you might not like and swipe right for guys who you think would be a good fit. I ended up downloading the app and began swiping for fun. I came across one guy from Detroit and two guys from NYC. I went out with the first guy from NYC first. We met at a bowling alley. He was super nice but he did not look exactly like his picture. Filters really make a difference.





Tinder-roni



I began chatting with Mike over the app and we exchanged numbers. During our first conversation, we ended up talking for hours. He wanted to arrange to connect but was going out of town to NYC at the time. Unfortunately, I kinda mixed up the numbers of the two NYC guys since I’d only had their numbers and mostly texted. Thankfully, when Mike returned from NYC, he called to set up a date and suggested meeting at King’s Bowling Alley. 





On the evening of the date, I told my cousin that I was meeting this guy from NYC at the bowling alley, in case anything popped off. When I arrived, Mike was there, on time, sitting at the bar. He looked like his photo and I thought he was pretty cute. We chatted for awhile and asked me if I wanted to bowl. Instead of bowling, we ended up talking. We talked about golf, my family, his family and loads of other subjects. It felt very natural. We probably talked for a couple of hours. Afterwards, he walked me to my car as we ended the date. Later that evening, he sent a text that said how cool he thought I was and he wanted to connect again.





A couple of weeks later we met up at Seasons 52. We had another great convo! Afterwards, we went to a simulator golf spot off of Sand Lake. We played golf and had a fun time getting to know each other. After the date was over, I told him that I would set up the next date.





The next date was going to see Dave Chappelle. It turned out to be another good outing with a lot of laughs.





For the date that&nbsp;followed, Mike invited me over to his house for the first time for dinner and to watch Game of Thrones. He ordered in PF Chang’s. Our outing after that was one I planned where I invited him to go to the Food and Wine Festival. It was a couple months before he came over to my house. A girl had to be cautious.





When did you know there was something there?



I knew fairly early on. I liked him after the first date. He had good energy. After the second date, when he spoke about his family and friends, he felt like a really good, authentic, sweet person. He was always a gentleman, opening doors and very kind. 





Coin Toss



I was working at Disneyland Paris for the summer and we’d planned for Mike to come over for a couple visits. A few of my friends asked if I thought that he was going to propose. I didn’t think so. I wasn’t expecting that. 





At the end of my assignment, Mike and I planned to go to Barcelona, Majorca, back to Barcelona then to Rome and finally Paris. On the way from Barcelona to Rome, we both decided that we needed a nap because we’d been flying a lot. He’d made reservations at a restaurant for later that evening. He woke me up from the nap and I was thinking about what to wear to dinner. I pulled out a pair of tights and thought they were comfortable and relaxed and would be good to put on. Mike said that the restaurant that we were going to was pretty nice so it might be best to put on something a little dressy. I had one outfit that I brought with me on my trip in case I had to go out somewhere. I put it on and we headed toward dinner.





We decided to take the route that would take us by the Trevi Fountain before dinner. I was taken aback by how beautiful the fountain was. The original legend of Trevi Fountain says that if you throw a coin in to the fountain, it will ensure a return to Rome. Mike gave me a coin to toss in the fountain and said that I should make a wish. After I threw my coin in, he asked me what I wished for? I had some short answer such as world peace. He then said he had another coin and that I should close my eyes this time but don’t throw the coin in the fountain. He put something in my hand. When I opened my eyes, there was a ring in my hand.





He asked me to marry him. I gasped. I think I was in a bit of shock. He then asked what my answer was and I said yes. He didn’t get down on one knee and he didn’t ask in front of my family which I am grateful for. We made it to the restaurant and I finally texted my mom and she said, is that what I think it is? She was tears.

 

Mike's Version&nbsp;



Taco Tuesday



On a fateful Tuesday night, I was hanging out with some friends. They were talking about this dating app and recommended that I try it out so I just downloaded the app. I thought that it would be funny. The next day I get on and start swiping. I came across Ivy and I thought that she looked cute. I hit “match” and we connected and we started talking by chatting in the messenger portion of the app. 





We eventually exchanged numbers. I can’t remember how long we talked on the phone. It might’ve been a couple of weeks before we decided to meet up. We ended up meeting up for a drink at Kings for about an hour and she was pretty cool, low key and&nbsp;laid back. From there, I think the next meet up was at Corona’s and the time after that we had dinner at Season’s 52.



Solid As A Rock



Actually I knew something was there after the third date. We ended up going to Dave Chapelle and we ran into a couple of Ivy’s friends. I started thinking she’s really solid, she’s smart, drama free, this could probably work. We started hanging out more and more and it became apparent. 





The Proposal



We were planning a trip so I wanted to ask her somewhere where it would be memorable. I was going to meet her in France then we’d head on to Spain and Italy. I made the plans for the first date in Italy and I purchased the ring a week before traveling. 





When in Rome...



While Ivy was away, I went to my good friend’s house for a dinner party. He told me that Italy would be the perfect place to propose. I started discussing how I’d map out the proposal. Ivy and I would walk around for a little bit then we’d get out at night and go to Trevi Fountain to make a wish. It seemed like a good fit since the legend of Trevi Fountain is that if you throw a coin in to the fountain, you will return to Rome. I’d then present the ring to her and we’d take a couple of pictures and site see a bit more before continuing on with the evening and heading to dinner.





After she&nbsp;tossed in the first coin, I’d asked her to close her eyes before tossing the next coin in to the fountain. I put the ring in her hand and I’d already given her the instruction that this coin (a.k.a. “the ring”) is not to be thrown in the fountain after she makes a wish. Just in case she chose to ditch the instructions, I’d made sure to hold on to her wrist so that the ring didn’t get hurled to the bottom of Trevi fountain. &nbsp;





It’s a Rap!



One funny thing about Ivy is that she’s always trying to freestyle rap. She maybe thinks that she missed a step by not pursuing her rap career. She’s always rapping, using the hand gestures and looking rather serious like she's actually crafted some&nbsp;quality&nbsp;lyrics in&nbsp;a verse. I think sometimes, she may even stretch the rule of rhyming while rapping.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;usually pretty funny. Well, when she opened her eyes and saw the ring in her hand, I said, “your raps are kinda corny and I would want nothing more than to listen to your corny raps forever.” I asked her to marry me as she looked down at the ring. I don't know if she actually heard me because it&nbsp;took a minute for her&nbsp;to answer so I asked her what her answer was. She said "yes."

Two Tales of One City

Our Story

Details

Photos

I’m Ivy’s older brother, and one of the groomsman for the wedding. &nbsp;I was honored, when asked to be a part of this special day.  Through Ivy, I’ve known Mike for a few years now. &nbsp;I can’t remember exactly when or where I first met him, but I do seem to remember Ivy “bringing him home to meet the family.” I know that I’ve liked Mike since I first met him.  He’s just a very laid back kind of guy, in a good way.  I thought I was laid back, until I met Mike. &nbsp;Mike is the kind of guy you like to hang out with.  I like the positive energy that he brings when he is around.   I look forward to this wedding, and more importantly, I look forward to Ivy and Mike’s marital union.

T.C.  Williams

Ivy and I share over 20 years of friendship.&nbsp; We met as Freshmen at FAMU through our mutual friend, Tiffany.&nbsp; Ivy stood out from the crowd because of her resemblance to Sade, she had the pulled back ponytail and all.&nbsp; I really got to know Ivy during a last-minute trip she, Tiffany and I took with some other friends to Black Beach Weekend in Daytona Beach, the spring of our freshman year.&nbsp; That adventure is a book all by itself, but I digress.&nbsp; That weekend I learned that Ivy was the queen of dry humor.&nbsp; I laughed so much that at times I was in tears.&nbsp; I enjoy sharing time with folks that can crack a good joke, so I decided that Ivy would be a part of my clique forever.&nbsp; To date, Ivy can still crack a good joke and hit you with her infectious laugh, but our friendship has evolved into so much more.&nbsp; She is my sister.&nbsp; We both love fashion, music, hair/skin products and culture.&nbsp;&nbsp; Ivy has supported me in every major milestone of my life.&nbsp; We have traveled the world together.&nbsp; We have been regulars at the Essence Festival-I literally have to drag her out of the marketplace every year because she loves supporting artists and small businesses.&nbsp; Auntie Ibbie even makes sure that my daughter is up to date on her Disney gear.&nbsp; Ivy is truly one of a kind.&nbsp;



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I have been praying that Ivy would meet someone as special and unique as she is and a few years ago Mike Shannon hit the scene.&nbsp; I knew he was the one that God chose for Ivy immediately.&nbsp; Mike is a true gentleman.&nbsp; He treats Ivy like the queen that she is!&nbsp; Mike even indulges us during our silly time, it is like he is a part of the crew.&nbsp; I am elated that Ivy and Mike chose me to be a part of their special day.&nbsp; I wish them a marriage full of love, joy and happiness!

Shani Dennis-Wiliform

Ivy is about to become my sister-in-law!!!! I'm the older sister of the groom. Mike over the years rarely brought people home to meet the family. When he brought Ivy home to&nbsp; New York, he described Ivy as being a "solid individual,"&nbsp;which in our family, is the HIGHEST of praise.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I was pleased to witness&nbsp;Ivy being&nbsp;kind and EXTREMELY attentive to my daughter who started calling her "Aunt Ivy" immediately. They had their own secret jokes and she hasn't stopped talking about Ivy ever since.&nbsp;

Ivy on subsequent trips seems to fit. She fits in with our nuclear family,&nbsp;with the cousins, and the friends. The deal was sealed for me on Ivy when she sent a "thank you" gift for staying at our home.&nbsp; It was unnecessary,&nbsp;it was generous. But most of all I found it to&nbsp;be a class gesture. I am happy to welcome Ivy to our family&nbsp;...and Mike seems happy, too.

Vonetta (Shannon) Kalieta

Mike is one of the most solid people I know and he comes from a great family. We grew up in Staten Island and have lived together in Orlando for over a decade. I laugh like a&nbsp; kid when I'm with Mike because we have known each other forever. He is unique in that he brings so much positivity to every person with whom he interacts. It would take pages to go through the stories of Mike's selflessness. He is one of the reasons I am comfortable to call Orlando my home. When you have solid people around it is less about the location but the conversations. I taught Mike how to play golf, frequently give him lessons and we have shared many smiles on the links.&nbsp;

Winston Taitt

I’ve known Mike longer than my first memory. We share the same mother, father, sister and every other family member. I’m his younger brother. Not only is he my sibling but he’s also one of my first friends, teammates, partners in crime and debate opponents.Growing up we shared a passion for life, family, sports and fashion. But I remember, as kids, the passion we shared for fashion wasn’t our own. We just shared in the embarrassment of often being asked if we were twins. We weren’t being asked because we resembled each other. We were being asked because our mom was passionate about dressing us in matching outfits even though we were two years apart!Jokes aside, we have shared every major event in our lives together whether good or bad and I’m honored and inspired to share this next one together as well.I look forward to witnessing Mike marry a wonderful and worthy woman, the love of his life and to gaining a sister-in-law.&nbsp;Wishing Mike and Ivy the very best that life and marriage has to offer. Congratulations to you both!

Dwayne Shannon 

My good brother Mike. Its been an incredible journey watching you take on the world, whether it has been hoops, school or life,&nbsp;I am incredibly proud of you good bro. For years I have watched you be an incredible presence in the lives of your nephews and niece and God has finally blessed you with a queen so that you can have your own immediate fam. I know you will be an incredible husband and father.&nbsp;

Mike & I have known each other since childhood, hooping in VG, PS 8, the city, Delaware, Jersey, Orlando or wherever the rock bounced. The courts are where we forged our brotherhood, but it evolved past hoops. We have lived together, worked together and built movements together.&nbsp; Distance has changed nothing – our 2 hour phone rap sessions occur once or twice a week, discussing our lives and our loves.&nbsp; We have been each others' confidant when it comes to decision making or just lending an ear to vent.

Ivy is gaining more than a partner, she is gaining an incredible soul who follows through with his action not just words.&nbsp; I have been blessed to call him my brother and he will be a great beacon of light for their family.

Peace, love and light to the future Mrs. Shannon and my bredren.

Tres Jones

I've known Ivy since the summer of 2013. We met while I was on vacay in Orlando with our mutual girlfriend, YaShan. Little did I know that I'd move to Orlando that same year. Ivy and I became fast friends. I prefer to refer to her as family. She is my sister. It's funny because people tend to ask us if we are sisters when we're out together-all the time!&nbsp;It feels like she's been in my life forever. Since moving here, I struggle to remember moments without her presence. I think back on a trip to Detroit in 2014 where we hung out at the newly relocated festival at the African American Museum. Ivy is truly into cultural events and this couldn't get any better with the music, numerous vendors, familiar faces, perfect weather and crowds of people topped off with the museum in the backdrop to pull it all together. There wasn't any one thing that happened that day to make it so memorable other than where we were and the fact that we really got to hang out, hit our old stompin' grounds and connect.

I also recall when she first started dating Mike. I met him when they were on their "Dave Chapelle" date. He seemed really cool and he was able to keep her smiling. I imagine that the two of them will continue to smile well into their years together. Congratulations!

Alfreda Bowden Clark

Great moment to share.&nbsp; How I&nbsp;met my man, my best man-- Money Mike!&nbsp; dates back to the mid 1980s. On the island of Staten. South side.&nbsp;

I strolled through Village Greens park on my way to hoop.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had to be 11 at the oldest. Back then VG was not diverse. you could name the Black Families-- The Joneses; The Jefferson's; The Wilkes; The Taitt's. I'm probably missing a few. But you get the point.

I walked on the court with the 15 year olds. It was at that point that I saw a familiar, but unfamiliar face. It was Mike and his lil brother, who in turn is my lil brother Dwayne.&nbsp;&nbsp;We gave each other the head nod. Probably dribbled between our legs to show one another that we had game; and of course checked the sneakz to make sure we had on the checks-- no love for the stripes back in the day unless it was Halloween and you dresses up as Run DMC.

From there, it was on and poppin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Literally on!!&nbsp;&nbsp;We, along with our crew Winston and Danny, were the original MIGOS! We balled together, we laughed together; we got in trouble together; we ain't really cry though until Dan moved to Florida.&nbsp; Importantly we formed a life long bond that fast forward 30 years later, Mike and I haven't missed a beat! As my best friend, he is Mr. Integrity; Mr. Humility; Mr. Empathy.&nbsp;&nbsp;He's also a stone cold killer on the court. A part of his character that he chiseled, by owning Village Greens courts from 1988 to 1995-- where we took no losses.

Most important, he is my brother. He is my lifelong best friend. And he has shared and been on my side for every moment in my life. I&nbsp;am so appreciative and happy that I can attempt to give back all the love and happiness and time that he has shared with my family and me.

So when someone asks how did I meet Mike, my story is simple. Back in '87, I&nbsp;needed a point guard to look after my squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;A sharp shooter that didn't need all the attention; ran the offense to a "T"; showed up everyday to the court to make sure our team was in tact; and continued to better himself to ensure we took no losses.&nbsp; In 87, my squad wore shorts and J's. Today my squad wears pull-ups, diapers and Victoria Secrets. My point guard is still looking after my squad 30 years later.

Salute to my best friend. Money Mike

Branden Jones

Lori Gray

Winnie Eliasaint-Jacque

Tiffany Pace-Whittaker

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

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Ivy & Michael