Shannon & MJ
Art in an Art Museum
By: Charles Tyree
As wedding season 2024 began, Jamee and I found ourselves back at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, VA. This time we would be returning for the nuptials of Shannon and M.J. - a lovely local couple who had fallen for this venue many months prior. Having done quite the number of weddings at The Taubman, we have come to learn that art museum-weddings require very little extra “beautification.” With exquisite masterpieces abound, why not lean into the theme in other ways? So for this late-April soirée, this couple planned to keep the theme of “art” front-and-center, with a few creative touches of their own.
As our day commenced and wedding preparations began, it was easy to see the amount of time and effort this couple and their families put into preparing for their big day. From the custom florals to the handcrafted decor, Shannon’s own personal works of art would be displayed amongst the best the Taubman had to offer that day.
As if the cascading staircase that flanks the atrium of the museum were not stunning enough in its own right, once dressed with flowing florals it became the canvas for the art it would soon display. Just before 6PM, our ravishing bride appeared at the top of the stairs and a hush fell amongst the guests. In her onyx-black gown and custom shimmering multi-colored veil, Shannon descended the stairs in quite the dramatic fashion. She was art in motion that evening, but not yet a completed masterpiece until the first kiss with her dapper groom.
Not only had this couple mastered the art of fashion, but unbeknownst to their family and friends, they had also been mastering the art of surprise. As the reception commenced, Shannon and M.J. stood amongst the crowd to reveal a show-stopping secret. The attendees were actually here to celebrate their 1-year anniversary. Surprise! With exactly one year of marriage in the books, it was time to party!
The final, and likely the most memorable, artful touch to the reception, was the use of a live portrait artist. Guests were invited to have their portraits drawn as a wedding keepsake - an offering highly complimented by all guests and vendors alike that evening. At the center of the guest portraits, however, stood the most important portrait of them all. Beautifully crafted and in a golden frame, the couple first kiss was captured and crafted in time. This is surely a memento Shannon and M.J. will cherish for years to come.
As the night came to an end, Shannon and M.J. exited beneath the glow of their surname’s art display; capping yet another wonderful wedding at The Taubman. Shannon and M.J.’s wedding proves that sometimes the smallest touches make the biggest impact. We wish them all of the love and happiness life can bring! Happy anniversary, y’all!
Cheers,
Jamee and Tripp