While working for the Republic Brewing Company back in November of 2016, it was fate that would have Shannon Seelye representing RBC at the Dixie Chicken. The Chicken was hosting a few Veterans Week boot walks in celebration of the heroes who have served our country, and due to the large number of veterans in Shannon’s family she volunteered for seven of the 10 walks.
While there, a good-looking Marine caught her eye: Mark Deskin. After the walk, they were hanging out at The Chicken when one of their friends decided he wanted a tattoo. They all piled into their cars to go watch him do it, and although he didn’t go through with it, the most important part was Shannon seeing Mark’s willingness to drive their friend to the parlor.
Even though she found him intimidating, they started to make reasons to see each other more, whether it was Shannon doing more events for The Chicken or Mark going for drinks at RBC. She found out one day that Mark was planning to go see Clayton Gardner at the Lakeside Icehouse in Bryan, and communicated that she would go, if and only if he went so she wouldn’t be alone.
On March 25, 2017, Shannon found herself at the Lakeside Icehouse waiting for what seemed like a lifetime for Mark to fulfill his promise of accompanying her to the event. When he finally showed, they talked it up, and the rest is history.
Exactly a year later, Mark and Shannon walked down the shore of Galveston Beach looking for seashells in the early morning sand. “Look!” Mark shouted, “I think I found the prettiest one!” As Shannon turned around, she saw Mark down on one knee with the ring in his hands, and he asked her for her hand in marriage.
The ceremony was short, sweet, and just how they wanted it. Shannon’s most cherished moment of her big day was walking down the aisle after the rings were on and everything was said and done. Mark took the end of the veil that the wind was pulling out of her hair and wrapped it around himself.
The reception was a blast. With fajitas from their favorite hometown restaurant and the best mix of music that they’ve ever heard from a local DJ, everyone had a good time. One of their favorite touches was the non-traditional cake shaped like the very restaurant where they met.
Shannon chose The Inn at Quarry Ridge because it fit perfectly with the vision she had in mind. Stonehem Hall was exactly what she was looking for to partner with the maroon, blush, and sunflower theme she dreamed about.
Shannon wants to let every future bride know a few things as well.
“The biggest thing for brides is to take it in,” says Shannon. “Take a step back when sitting down to eat and look at all the people who came to celebrate your marriage. It will be a fast-paced day, but take a second to stop and enjoy everything and everyone who came. Also, make sure that you get family photos, especially with you and your brother or sister!”
Deskin Vendors
Coordinator: Uniquely Set Events
Venue: Inn at Quarry Ridge
Officiant: Friend of family
DJ: Downtown Event Services
Florist: Willow Lane Floral
Rentals: Ashley & Co
Photography: Audrey Lane Photo
Photo Booth: Innov8tive Imaging
Cake: Sandee’s Sweets
Caterer: La Casita — Porter
Hair/Make-up: Cherry Blow Dry Bar
Story Courtesy of Inn at Quarry Ridge
