Real Weddings: Shanae & Garrett

Shanae and Garrett met in a common 21st century way: on Tinder. While living in Utah, the couple were able to find one another thanks to the dating phone app. They learned through dating what makes for a great relationship. “I love that I can be my true goofy self,” says Shanae of things she loves about her now husband. “We can be honest with each other and just never get sick of being around each other,” explaining what solidified their desire to get married one day. Garrett locked down his catch by proposing to Shanae, a blogger at Shanae Kidd as well as project manager in Arizona, where the couple now resides. Garrett took Shanae out to a fancy restaurant for dinner then to a nearby resort that has gondola rides. While cruising the canal in one of the gondolas, the driver began serenading the couple in Italian. As soon as the boat ride concluded, Garrett was down on one knee. In 2020, despite a global pandemic putting a stop to many a wedding, the pair was able to see one of their dreams come true by following through with their wedding plans. Before 50 guests, Shanae and Garrett wed, with the serenity and natural splendor of the Southwestern deserts as their backdrop. Shanae was escorted down the aisle by her mother and her 13-year-old nephew. Later, the couple ensured that the DJ was uninterrupted because they wanted all of their guests to be out on the dance floor with them celebrating. Indeed, finding the person you can let loose and be yourself with for the rest of your life is something to celebrate.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Scottsdale, AZ

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: glam, beautiful, desert

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Troon North Golf Club

MENU: A plated dinner choice of braised beef short ribs, chicken François, or vegetarian gnocchi.

DESSERT: Cake

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish

INSPIRATION: the theme for the wedding was “desert glam,” including cacti and geodes

SPECIAL FEATURES: photo booth; the bride’s mother and her 13-year-old nephew walked her down the aisle; guest book was the photos from the photo booth and the bride’s mother made a collage with the couple’s baby pictures; favors were mini bags with mints, masks and personalized hand sanitizers

HONEYMOON: Tulum, Mexico

COLORS: