Shannon O’Donnell & Jono McCusty
June 12, 2021, at Montalto
Photos by Jen Fariello
Rather than dreaming up a theme for their wedding, Shannon and Jono wanted to focus on the future. They love to entertain, so the guiding principle when planning their wedding became, “Is this an item I would have in my home?” Thus, they chose wedding colors already in their home décor, and flowers they could grow in their backyard. And the plan worked!
“Since our wedding, we have incorporated our customized décor items—like monogrammed pillows and napkins—into our home,” Shannon says. “They fit seamlessly into its design and it’s fun to have a daily reminder of our wedding.”
Their big day, at Montalto, was a grand affair—with abundant floral arrangements, a custom dance floor, and a weekend full of festivities. And while the pandemic had forced a few changes (pivoting from a church to the Montalto mountaintop), Shannon says, in the end, they didn’t make a single concession.
As she puts it, “Our plan B far surpassed our plan A.”
Buzz, buzz
Guests were greeted after dinner with trays of espresso martinis to get the party started. Each one was topped with a cookie in the shape of the couple’s dog, TJ.
Two slices
For a late-night snack, the couple served personal Detroit pizzas (a nod to their impending move to the Motor City) and cheesy bread from The College Inn (a favorite from their UVA days). “I’ve been told they decided to stay open for an extra night when they received the large order for our wedding,” Shannon says.
Isn’t it romantic?
The floral installation above the dance floor was a décor highlight for the bride, who says the combination of stems dripping from the ceiling and twinkle lights nestled in the flowers created the most magical dance floor experience.
Order up
The couple wanted the dinner portion to have a restaurant vibe. Rather than choosing an entrée ahead of time, guests were presented with a menu of three options, prepared to order. Likewise, the seating reflected a restaurant experience, with banquettes and intimate four- and six-tops.
How lucky
Little did the couple know, when they met at a St. Patrick’s Day party in 2017, that they’d grown up 10 minutes apart and had both attended UVA. “It felt a little like fate when we finally met,” Shannon says, “and we quickly fell in love.”
THE DETAILS
Event planner: Just A Little Ditty/Marilyn Speight Officiant: Reverend Miles Smith Catering: Occasions Caterers Flowers: Southern Blooms Cake: Maliha Creations Music: Simply Irresistible and Melodious Strings Bride’s attire: Monique Lhuillier Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Groom’s attire: Beecroft & Bull Rings: G. Jezarian Makeup: Rouge 9 Hair: Avenue 42 Videographer: Shaking Hands Productions Stylist: The Stylish Bride Stationery: Emily Baird Design
