Search

Shelby and Luke: Second Chances

Clare Spencer
Jul 8, 2019
3 min read

Photography by: Lindsay Veld of Lindsay Adkins Photography

Shelby and Luke met in Kindergarten at Sand Creek Community Schools where they attended school together throughout elementary, middle and high school. They participated in band where they both played the trumpet and they showed goats, hogs and chickens in 4-H together. They were friends for much of their childhood, until sophomore year of high school, when they attended a school dance together, but Luke ended up asking out another girl.

“That didn’t end so well, I told him, ‘I hate you and never want to talk to you again.’”

And she didn’t talk to him again…

…until freshman year of college.

Luke and Shelby flew down to Venice, Florida to bring Luke’s grandma’s car back to Michigan. On the drive home they decided to stop in Nashville, Tennessee to visit Luke’s Aunt Kathy. The first day there they woke up early to explore downtown Nashville. Before heading out Luke informed Shelby that he something special planned for them. When they got downtown there were so many things to do and see. After several hours of enjoying all Nashville has to offer it was time for the “something special” Luke had planned. As they exited the Patsy Cline Museum they were greeted by a horse and carriage. They toured the streets of Nashville in a pumpkin shaped carriage, drawn by a mule named Jane.

Shelby takes over:

“Jane and her driver navigated us to the very end of the street that

overlooked the river. The driver stopped (at the end of the street) where there was a

circle drive with a grass patch in the middle. She told us, “Many people love to use this

spot to take a selfie of themselves with all of the signs in the background”. Luke and I walked

up to the grass patch, where I pulled out my phone, and took a selfie. As I put my phone

away, Luke pulled a ring box out of his pocket, got down on one knee, and asked me,

“Shelby, will you marry me?” I was so overwhelmed that after 4 years, Luke had asked

me… ME! to marry him. I also began crying as the ring was so beautiful, I had never

expected anything like it. I asked him, “Does Aunt Kathy know?” Then she hopped out of

the trees and ran towards us! She had been hiding taking pictures of us! As we rode by other carriages and pedestrians, people began screaming and yelling to us out of excitement that we had just gotten engaged! The whole thing was amazing, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to be proposed to.”

Their wedding was held at Jasper Bible Church. Luke and Shelby had been attending the church since they were children. Luke’s parents were married at this church and his grandparents were founding members.

“It was very special to be married there.”

The reception was held at Siena Heights Benincasa Hall, a wide space with high ceilings and a traditional, elegant feel.

Shelby’s original appointment at Mimi’s was to look for a veil because she had already purchased an inexpensive gown online. The online dress was nothing Shelby imagined herself wearing for her wedding day, but she felt she could find some way to love it. Being less than thrilled with the dress prompted Shelby to start looking around for other options and she decided to cancel her veil appointment. Because she left a voicemail canceling her appointment, Mimi’s staff reached out to her to see if she wanted to reschedule. When she was on the phone with them, she explained the situation. They told her to keep her appointment and bring the dress with her.

“They could either make me love it or find something that I did love.”

Shelby was able to try on a few dresses, two of which she absolutely loved. They had everything she was looking for: lace, a detailed train, a unique back and a silhouette that fit her body type. Before making her final choice Shelby’s consultant had her put the online dress on, just to compare.

“There was no way I could wear the original dress for my wedding.”

The one Shelby ended up choosing is by Allure Bridals. It is a slim, sheath style gown made entirely of soft, scalloped, sequin covered lace. It has thick straps, a lace and illusion covered back with center back pearl buttons and crystal details. The train combines the soft, scalloped lace with a thicker, swirl patterned lace. It has ivory lace over a light gold charmeuse lining. She chose this one because it gave off a more rustic, country feel which was what Shelby was hoping to achieve.