Bachelor Party

Couple's Shower

Bachelorette Party

Cactus Cantina

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Troper Afterparty

Our Wedding

A few years ago when I was feeling really sick, William read <a href="http://surlalunefairytales.com/beautybeast/index.html">this </a>version of Beauty and the Beast to me out loud, complete with a deep gravelly voice for the Beast. At the time, he joked that he was going to mimic the Beast's voice and proposals when he asked me to marry him. Or rather, I thought he was joking.He knew I was vehemently opposed to public proposals where the one being asked doesn't know beforehand that it's happening in public because if they want to say no, they're not just letting down their significant other, they're letting down all the bystanders who happen to be watching and I think that puts undue pressure on the person being asked, so he asked me beforehand if it was okay to propose at the aquarium, so yes, those of you who were wondering if I knew he was going to ask because my nails were done, I did, and that is, in fact, why my nails were done. Didn't know when during the trip he was going to do it, though, so it's not like it stripped ALL MYSTERY FOREVER away.We wandered around the aquarium and saw TONS of fish, and went through the interactive exhibits and touched moon jellies and starfish and I completely managed to miss the fact that there were otters in a certain tank because OH MY GOD WHAT A HUGE SCHOOL OF FISH I'M GONNA FOLLOW IT happened and then William pointed out that there were otters and I was incredibly confused because I hadn't seen them AT ALL before he directed my attention upwards.I realized that there were people carrying around guidebooks going to the embossing stations (that I wasn't entirely sure what were until I read the sign while William was fiddling with one) so since I hadn't managed to get him out to pet the rays and sharks, and I really wanted to see him try and touch sea life, he agreed to go on a scavenger hunt first for the guide and then to all the embossing stations.After all that was done, my wheelchair's battery started beeping for the second time that day, which meant we couldn't wander around looking for the perfect spot forever. He asked me where we should do it, and I told him that that particular bit was his call, he was the one proposing, after all. He chose one of the smaller wall sized tanks in an alcove on the first floor near the entrance of the aquarium. I gave him the magnets (one set of which he learned to polish so he could make the ring) from my purse and went over to a woman sitting down in the chairs in front of the tank. I told her that my boyfriend had been saying for months that he was going to propose using these magnets he always played with, but he wasn't messing with them in the way he usually did, and if he came over and led me in front of the tank, would she record it for me. She agreed, and William came over but rather than heading to the tank, he leaned over and said "you should probably use my phone, it has more battery." We went over to the tank, he dropped down to one knee, said "Beauty, will you marry me?" in that silly deep gravelly voice as he snapped the ends of the band part of the ring together. I kind of stopped thinking for a moment and blurted "Yes, you idiot!" because for years I have sincerely thought he was joking about the voice and it took me by surprise and was so silly and wonderful and somehow he wasn't insulted by my response.Unfortunately when we checked the video, all we have is me kissing him after I said yes, which is essentially devoid of context, and showing people that just feels weird.

Our Engagement

Our Story

Details

Photos

Emily is my little sister and biggest fan. It's been great to have her helping me over the past couple years while we planned this wedding, even if she cries way more often about it than I do.

Emily  Cadegan

Blake is a fellow operator of an IRC channel I have been in for several years; we've been friends since around when I first met Shannon and we have helped each other navigate the waters of relationships, moving, and the world. 

Blake Hair

Elizabeth is William's younger sister, and the most reliable source for childhood photos and stories of Will. She also serves as an excellent fashion disaster early warning system for her brother. I'm so grateful to have her in my life.

Elizabeth Williams

Mick is my brother-in-law. He has been close to my family through his relationship with my sister since we were all in high school. He got married to my sister this past October and his presence has been wonderful in knowing what to expect and having someone who has been through the process already.  

Mick Williams

I've known Kristen since my family moved to California. She's always been across the street, ready and able to tell me what social faux pas came next on my list and how to avoid it. She got married in 2015 and told me if I needed any help she'd be there.

Kristen Bibbee-Shaughnessy

Dustan is a fellow grad student also studying under Dr. Rouquier. We have bonded over things like conferences and the weekly game nights and he is a good friend.

Dustan Levenstein

Noam has been a steadfast friend for about as long as I've been dating William. She was my go-to for second opinions about our relationship and I am forever grateful. When she moved to Taipei, she told me she might not be able to come to the wedding, but as it turns out, she'll be able to make it.

Noam Zohar

Roger and I had some chance encounters in various math competitions and then met at UNC after noticing each other and the proximity at an internet forum. Along with Blake, we've become good friends and I am excited for his presence again in this wedding. 

Roger Que

I've known Penny for quite a while, I met her dad at one of my confirmation sponsor's annual parties, and it's been a hoot watching her grow over the past few years. 

Penelope Johnson

Shannon met Hilkiah's mom at Kristen's bridal shower and they quickly bonded. My talks with Marelva and chilling with Kiah help keep me focused on my long term goals as an educator! When William and I asked him if he'd like to be our ring bearer, he turned away from us laughing and excitedly said "no!", a nice addition to the "yes, you idiot" engagement story.

Hilkiah Hume

Shannon's parents are Joe's godparents, and Joe's mother was Shannon's confirmation sponsor. The term in use while they were growing up was "godbrother" but these days "cousin" is easier.

Joseph Welch

Fro is Shannon's faux-sibling. Their moms have been good friends since the mid-nineties. 

Frobert Myers

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Free Wifi &amp; Free Breakfast, between 6-8 miles from venue depending on route.

Shannon & William

Shannon & William

Travel

Comfort Inn Riverside near UCR and Downtown

Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Riverside UCR/Moreno Valley Area