Never Lose Hope: Wish Upon a Wedding Gives New Hope to an Inspiring Couple

 

 

The couple reunited in June of 2009, when Nick was really ready to commit. They became engaged following what Shannon describes as “a figurative and literal trip down memory lane.” The scavenger hunt of significant locations ended on May 28, 2011, with Nick on one knee.

 

 

 

 

 

One month to the day following their engagement, the path to their happy ending encountered a major roadblock. Nick was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The world of this young, newly engaged couple came crashing down. Instead of days filled with wedding plans, they scheduled life around courses of treatment, acutely aware of when Nick would have good days and bad.

 

 

When Nick was diagnosed, the two became a united front, battling the cancer as a team. Always taking the approach that they are both in this together has allowed them to remain positive and strong through the difficult days, and to enjoy the good ones that much more. Their “we” approach permeates everything in their lives, from medical treatments, to housework. Together, they will get through it.

 

 

 

 

 

The couple has dreams and plans for their future together, just as any other young couple does. They hope to someday have a family. Shannon has plans to launch her own non-profit aimed at helping people facing serious and/or terminal illness meet major life goals, such as graduating or starting a business. Regardless of what life hands them, they are a team. Shannon put it best: “The key through it all is to never lose hope. If you lose hope, you lose the battle.”

 

 

On March 1, 2012, the happy couple was united in marriage, celebrating both their union, and the fact that Nick’s cancer had only a few months prior been pronounced in remission. Their Paris-themed wedding day sparkled in shades of aubergine and crème, the head table accented by a floral-bedecked 3 foot tall Eiffel Tower. Guests dined and danced the night away, celebrating the beauty of this couple’s young love, the commitment they share, and the trials they have already withstood. 

 

 

 

 

 

Their wedding was also featured only days later at the Association of Bridal Consultants’ annual table décor showcase, Art of the Table, hosted by the Columbia Club in downtown Indianapolis. The table featured elements from throughout their wedding day, including the flowers, favors, stationery, replica cake, and more. Art of the Table is held each year in honor of the late Betty Jackson, a long-time member of ABC who passed before her time, succumbing to cancer. The proceeds from this charitable event go each year to support the Betty Jackson Memorial Education Fund, reflecting one of her passions, and the American Cancer Society. Nick and Shannon’s table was therefore a particularly perfect fit, and well-admired by those in attendance.