When I woke up the morning of July 17, I got up full of energy and ready to take on the day. I put on my Ariel dress because it would be easy to change out of when it was time to put on my bridal gown. And threw my hair up in a ponytail to head downstairs and prepare for the hair dresser, make up artist, and my brides people and family to show up. It was Scott and my big day and I was ready for it.

This was going to be the first big event where we were going to see a majority of our friends and family since covid started. It was a big deal. And though I wanted things as close to perfect as I could get them. I just wanted the day to be full of love and fun. 

I went downstairs and started setting up the gift area. I put a white shiny sequin tablecloth down and put my bridal gifts on it decoratively. I got my brides people hand made wire sea glass necklaces done by my friend Sara!  I got my mom a daughter and a mother of the Bride bracelet to wear that day. A symbol of how important she is in my life and our connection. I also got my aunt of honor a special aunts bracelet! 

My brother and sister in-law got me pretty good with a gift that they gave me. The got me a pin with a picture of my papa in it so he could be present at my wedding as well, to add to my bouquet. As you know I was really close with my grandfather.

David was up early as well to help out with the logistics of the morning. He had ordered and prepared a breakfast spread from our favorite local donut shop called Donna’s Donuts! They were delicious and  baked that day!  And me being the nerd I am, put up a Lord of the Rings Sign above the food. It was perfect. 

My mom and aunt were the first to show up of course. They are always on time if not early! Max was very happy to see everyone and was also dressed up for the occasion. He had a little black bow tie that said “I Do Too!” 

Soon after my hairdresser Michelle came with her assistant,  from Marilyn James Beauty in Somerville, MA. Michelle is amazing with color. She put the beautiful teal in my hair for the day. We played with color until I found exactly what I wanted. It was the perfect mermaid hair! 

She is always super prepared and had made a schedule with the makeup artist from Makeup By Yela so that everyone who wanted to get made up would have the time to do so, as my wedding party was quite large. 

It was a lot of fun watching everyone get done up. There was a lot of laughter and fun that morning. At one point I looked like a woman from the 50s with huge hair rollers in my hair! 

And of course it wouldn’t be a party in my household without someone doing shots at 9 am in the morning. My sister and David toasted my wedding early to get the party started! 

After everyone was finished getting ready we started dispersing to head to the event hall. Ellie took the puppers to their care for the day. Our friends and owner of a rescue called All Senient Beings, watched both dogs for the day for us. It was important to find good care for especially Max who has a lot of special needs being a senior pug who has seizures. 

I rode to the venue with my mom and aunt. I felt like a mermaid princess! I Loved how my hair turned out and my dress was perfect! When we got to the hall, I went into the reception hall to help finish setting up! My planner and friend from Necessities, and friends were all there helping make this magical event come alive. I watched from the balcony overlooking the gazebo as all of our guests started to arrive. Some of these people I hadn’t seen in a very long time. 

The time grew closer for the ceremony to start, and for some reason I wasn’t nervous at all. I felt that everything about this day was just right. I was very excited when the little boy that I nanny for spotted me and came up to the balcony to say hello. He looked at me suspiciously because I wasn’t wearing my glasses, I was wearing a very fancy dress! And my hair was down. It was like I was a whole new person to him. But he gave me the biggest hug and asked me if we would still have our dance! I told him of course! We had been practicing our dance for a month at that point. 

I could hear Tara downstairs getting everyone ready and lined up! I can always count on her to keep order in a large group of people! My mom and I were coming in from the balcony, my bridal party was coming in from downstairs. I was going for a grand entrance! 

The music started playing. Concerning Hobbits by the Vitamin String Quartet was the song that the bridal party walked down too! Scotts part of the party looked amazing in their khaki shorts and tops with their marvel character boutineers. Each person got to choose a marvel character that was their favorite, and we put a miniature of that character into their boutineers.  My half of the party looked lovely in their ocean colors themed dresses and their parasols! 

“Kiss the Girl” by Colbie Collait stayed playing and that was the cue for my mom and I to start making our way down the staircase to make out way down the aisle. We held hands and started dancing a little to the beat.  It’s a faster version of the song. 

When I got to the bottom of the stairs, all of a sudden I heard a little voice yell “Ms. Shannon!” and down the aisle, a curly boy came running to give me a hug with his mom running behind. The Little boy I nanny for and I have a very sweet little relationship. This made me smile even though his mom looked mortified. I told her it was ok. It made my day that much more happy and memorable!

Once I got to Scott, I gave my mom a kiss, and David started the ceremony! 

David:

Please be seated. 

I would like to start this ceremony with a quote by Samantha from the movie “Her:” 

“A heart is not a box that you fill up, it expands the more you love.” 

Welcome family, friends, metamours, and partners of the bride and groom. It is no accident that each of you are here today, and each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of Scott and Shannon. Today we are all here to celebrate love. The love between Scott and Shannon, their love for you all, and your love for them. 

Scott and Shannon have chosen each other, day after day, to share in each other’s incredible moments and to assist in making each other’s dreams a reality. 

The commitment they have made with each other is expressed through equality, mutual respect, hard work and love. Scott and Shannon bring with them the experiences which drew them together and their dedication to their personal growth both individually and within each other.

They bring the intentions of their hearts as a treasure to be shared with limitless love, with each other, and with their loved ones. They do so with patience, trust, compersion, and a loving sense of humor. 

I’ve known Shannon and Scott for quite a while now, and I’m honored to be here today to officiate the ceremony of two of my favorite people. I love you both dearly and personally vow to support you both as you both support me. You’ve built not just a lasting relationship with me, but also a tightly knit social circle that I think we all cherish, most of whom are gathered here today.

Some family and friends would like to share a few words about the bride and groom. Introducing Colton: 

Hello everyone!

When my sister asked me to write something sappy for her today I immediately started to think of everything I could say to embarrass the crap out of her.  But if I talked about everything that I thought of I would be talking through the night.  So, I’ll just stick to a couple stories and throw in some sappy things here and there.

I think it’s appropriate to start this out with how Shannon and I met. I was born in Worcester and she visited me at the hospital for the first couple days of my life. Well, for whatever reason Shannon did not expect to see me at home only after a couple days. Truthfully, I don’t think she expected to see Baby CJ at home ever. So, when she walked through the door after being picked up from wherever she was, she said in a very irritated tone and a loud volume, “YOU BROUGHT IT HOME!?” Yes, Shannon, Mom brought me home. You are no longer the only child. However, Shannon’s little mind got creative and I think she started to like having me around. She started to blame things on me throughout the years. For example, our mother came walking in the living room one day and saw “S-H-A-N-N-O-N” written on the wall with crayons. She very convincingly said that I wrote that….  Keep in mind that I wasn’t even talking at the time. 

Shannon and I actually became pretty good friends about 15 years later.  I’ll admit – it was me, the younger brother, who prolonged our sibling rivalry. I mean, you would go nuts too if you listened to hours of singing on a $30 karaoke machine, Every – Single – Day. Where I’m going with this is… Shannon brought me to my first ever party with alcohol. I am pretty sure, though never confirmed it, that Shannon talked to our mom and said “he’s going to do this anyway, wouldn’t you want him to do it with me?”  Mom, what were you thinking?  As much as I appreciate you letting me go to this party with Shannon and her friends, it was because of this night that I can’t even think about Wild Turkey without my stomach turning… I’m talking about the bourbon here – not the bird. 

Speaking of the bird – one Thanksgiving I was playing around with one of my turkey calls, the kind that goes in your mouth.  Shannon could not figure out how to use it, she tried and tried, and failed every time.  She was instructed by our step-grandfather that she had to flap her arms in order for it to work.  Y’all know Shannon, y’all know she tried this. You wouldn’t believe it… it worked! She was literally flapping her arms around our kitchen sounding like a turkey!

Ok ok… sappy time?

Shannon, Scott, I am so happy for you two.  You two are awesome people with really big hearts.  I am happy to welcome Scott into our family and I look forward to getting to know you better.  I look forward to many more family vacations, holidays, and any other random gatherings we may do.  I know Declan loves his Auntie and Unkie, and I am sure little Walter Benjamin will too.  Shannon, I am happy to call you my sister, and I am certain you hooked onto a good fish here.  If you release him back into the sea you may experience that bag of pennies again.  

Raise your glasses for Shannon and Scott. For two people who deserve all the happiness in the world. For a couple that we all know will support each other through the hard times and will treasure the good times. Shannon and Scott, remember this toast, because everyone here agrees with me that you two are meant to be with each other.  I love you both.  Cheers.

And now we’ll have Cheri to say a few words

Shannon and Scott’s Wedding Reading –  2021

Mister Fred Rogers: on Love

“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to all time.”

These are the words of the late Mr Fred Rogers – the iconic and beloved creator and host of the TV series Mr Rogers Neighborhood. He is the voice of nostalgia for many of us children of the ’90s, ’80s, and earlier. Many of us STILL turn to his wisdom today as we strive to live a life of kindness and love.

Shannon and I both met Scott at the same event in 2016, 5 years ago! Over the years I’ve witnessed friendship and love grow deeper between them. No, it wasn’t always easy, but they put in the work to build a solid foundation while still navigating their other relationships AND growing as individuals and as partners. (Turn page)

I’d like to read some additional words of wisdom on Love by the late Mr Fred Rogers. As you listen, I invite you to direct your positive thoughts and energy at Shannon and Scott. As well, think about how these words might be meaningful for you too.

“Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun, like Struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”

“Knowing that we can be loved – exactly as we are – gives us the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest people.”

“Mutual caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in the other’s achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain.”

“Love is like Infinity: you can’t have more or less Infinity, and you can’t compare two things to see if they’re ‘equally infinite.’ Infinity JUST IS, and that’s the way I think Love is, too.”

“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet… there is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”

Scott, Shannon… as you look around, take note of at least one thing that all of us here today have in common: you both are important and special to us. You’ve touched our lives in a meaningful way. There is something of yourselves that you have left with each of us. And that’s why we are here with you today in celebration. Continue forward with Mr Fred Rogers in your heart as you navigate this wonderful life together.

I’ll end with his words the same way he ended his program. If you know it, say it with me:

“You made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.”

David: 

Scott and Shannon have written vows to each other that they would like to share. 

Shannon Brown’s Vows:

Scott Stephen Riley, today I take you as my partner in crime, my anchor, and my husband. I couldn’t be more excited to be marrying my very own Dread Pirate Roberts!  For those who don’t know, Scott and I met at a Halloween party. He showed up with hard cider and dressed as the dread pirate Roberts.  He literally stole my heart then and there. 

Since then we have built our relationship with strong foundations in honesty, trust,  communication, openness, love and of course deep appreciation for The Lord of the Rings. We have both grown on our unexpected journey together,  we embrace each other as individuals, but individuals that complement rather than complete each other. 

I am choosing to continue my journey with you for the rest of my life and today in front of our families, partners, and friends I vow… 

… To continue to build our relationship as equals in life. 

… To not attack you with glitter bombs purposely 

… To be your anchor, but to never hold you back from finding your way. 

… To help you achieve your goals, in both life, love, and support your relationships as you have done for me. 

… To continue to watch Santa Claus the Movie if you watch my claymations at Christmas with me each year. 

… To love and support you… No matter where this crazy life takes us. 

… To give you space when you need it, but be here for hugs and snuggles when you need to be held. 

… to marathon Lord of the Rings at least once a year with you! 

… To continue to share your awesomeness and sexyness with the people who bring you so much happiness and love. 

… And I vow to stay close to your heart, and remind you everyday that you will always have a place in mine.

There have been so many uncertainties in life and so much so in the past year. But like Anna sings to Olaf in Frozen..

“That’s why I rely on certain certainties,

Yes, some things never change

Like the feel of your hand in mine

Some things stay the same

Like how we get along just fine

Like an old stone wall that will never fall

Some things are always true

Some things never change

Like how I’m holding on tight to you”

Scott, I couldn’t be more certain about you… I love you unconditionally, like Stark loves Pepper Potts, Ariel loves Prince Eric, and like Sam loves Frodo! I love you both romantically and as my best friend. As Gandalf says, “all we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us,” and I look forward to making many more memories with you.

I love you.

Scott Riley’s Vows:

Shannon, you have become a beacon of light in my life. You are a source of warmth, comfort, and happiness that I was not looking for, but have joyously found, and treasure. I promise to be your anchor in storms and safe harbors. A deep and long hug, a warm and comfortable snuggle, a firm and strong shoulder to cry on, and a hand to hold through all our journeys. 

I will be a friend to listen to you, and make you smile and laugh, even if I laugh harder at my own jokes. I will share in your experiences, and support you in all our endeavors. I will honor, respect, cherish, and love you. 

For all of my life, I will be thankful for the home, friends, and family you’ve chosen to share with me. Your eyes and your smile, your intelligence and sassyness, your deep capacity and talent for nurturing life and the world, making it better, wherever you go. I vow to return the gift of your love with my heart and soul to make you a part of my world.

Community Vows

David: 

To those gathered here today on this momentous occasion “Do you promise to love and support this couple as we continue on our journeys in life together, just as they love and support us?”

Audience:

We do

David:

The rings please. 

(Declan and Logan give rings to David) 

Two rings to show your love, two rings to bind you, two rings to seal your love, and to ever entwine you.

You may place your rings. 

//Shanon and Scott place their rings.

David:

Across from you is your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, here on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. As you work alongside each other, together you build your futures your way. As you will passionately love and cherish each other through the years, their touch will comfort you. Their hands will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. Wipe tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. Your bonds will help you to hold your family, friends, and partners together in the journey of life. When wrinkled and aged, you will still be there, still giving each other the same tenderness with just a touch.

Do you Scott take Shannon to be your wife? To love and cherish, trust and protect, to aid and abet throughout your journeys in love and life? 

Do you Shannon take Scott to be your husband? To love and cherish, trust and protect, to aid and abet throughout your journeys in love and life? 

You may now kiss the bride.

As we kissed “Don’t stop me now” by queen started playing and we walked down the aisle as man and wife. 

We got a series of pictures done by Scotts best friend/best man and his crew (Andy did the photography for our wedding with Andrew Gibson Photography, and also was the dj) and then went upstairs to be announced into the reception. After being announced we went straight to the dance floor for our first dance. It was too “Perfect” by Ed Sheerhan. At that time there was no one else in the world besides Scott and I. I felt like a princess and it was magical. 

Following the first dance we had dinner. We did not do a fancy traditional wedding dinner. We hired The American BBQ and had a cook out style meal with hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken and more. This was seriously one of the best burgers I have ever had. I got good compliments on this choice as well. I was told that the veggie burgers were especially phenomenal! 

As we finished up our meals the best man made his speech and we welcomed everyone! It was amazing coming together after so long in isolation.

The father daughter dance was announced. My situation is unique, as I grew up with three different dads. Each dad was a primary person in different phases of my life. I chose the song “Butterfly Kisses” to dance to, and each father danced to a different verse. My first step dad passed away in 2009, so my younger brother Colton stepped in to dance for him. He was there through my childhood, so he had the first verse. My current step dad took the second verse, because lucky him, he got me as a teenager. And my biological dad danced the last verse. I didn’t meet him until I was 18. He got me as an adult. It was a special dance for me! 

As our dance ended Scott and His mom took the dance floor, doing a sweet dance to “You’re the Sunshine of My Life” By Stevie Wonder. Scott is not a big fan of being the center of attention, but this was an extremely sweet and memorable moment for me. I have inherited a wonderful new family! Scott is also always very sweet with his mother! 

I took the microphone after this. As I had one more special dance planned! My mom and I did a fun dance together to an ABBA Remix. We always joke that the play/movie Mamma Mia is the story of our lives. I had three dads, and she was Donna! She nearly killed me for sharing that in front of everyone, but I feel they needed context as to why we chose ABBA!

The cake cutting was a lot of fun! We did end up doing a cake smash. But the funniest part was not us, it was the reaction of my nephew. He was absolutely mortified that we smashed cake into each others faces. He was standing with my mom and told her how much trouble we would be in for playing with food! We did have a small cake for us, and the rest were cupcakes. They are made by friend of my moms in Vermont!

The rest of the evening could not have gone better. It was beautiful watching the sunset over the ocean and the Boston Skyline. We danced and drank the night away, celebrating love with our friends and family by the sea. This was only my dream wedding come true! I can honestly say that I was truly happy in this setting being surrounded by all of my loved ones and having them accept me and Scott and our lifestyle. I felt like my two worlds finally came together, my biological family and my poly family. This party with everyone together was the best gift that everyone could have given me.