They say “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and if there’s any falsehood to that statement, I would suggest not using this next pair as evidence! Shea & Gary spent their engagement living apart, planning their nuptials from afar and supporting one another through ever-changing seasons of life. When at last they reunited for their sweet estate wedding, the air was thick with joy, their smiles contagious, their love practically tactile, and the day itself—absolute bliss!
From Magnolia Adam’s Photography:
“Living apart from your significant other is one of the more difficult things that a couple can go through. I remember my husband being deployed and you learn how to live without them, without really wanting to.
There are of course ways to ‘survive’ but I believe that ‘thriving’ in hard seasons can be a challenge. You have to choose contentment in everything, even the hard… time zone changes, date nights, premarital counseling, etc.
Gary, now Dr. Driver and Shea had to live apart while Gary finished medical school. They reunited to get married and move to a new city together while Gary begins his residency. Shea planned an executed a big event all while graduating and living apart from Gary.
I loved getting to be a part of the celebration with friends and family.”
From Shea & Gary, the bride and groom:
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Shea: “Gary and I met while in college at the University of Oklahoma. His fraternity and my sorority had joined together for a show our Greek system puts on every year, and we met at a gathering for it. I saw Gary off the bat and thought he was cute, and it turned out a few of my close girlfriends were friends with him from high school. When we were introduced, he gave me a fist bump instead of a handshake, and I’m pretty sure his opening line was ‘sup girl.’ This definitely should have been his demise, but here we are!”
Gary: “I thought she was gorgeous, and I was shocked she didn’t have a boyfriend. The entire night I tried so hard to get her to ask me to her sorority’s next date party so I could go with her. She did! The rest is history.”
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome during your wedding planning.
Shea: “Wedding planning is so much fun, but it can also be stressful. It was easy to get overwhelmed at times, but I tried to always remind myself that I was planning our wedding! It should be happy and fun, not stressful and daunting. Gary has a patience that is unmatched, and he really helped keep me calm (and sane). He was also really good about offering to help during the process, and I learned to accept his help! I stopped obsessing over silly things, like not wanting him to address all the thank you cards because he has guy handwriting. Who cares!? I love that he wanted to help. And he was super helpful!”
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Gary: “I love that no matter what mood I’m in, she always can put a smile on my face.”
Shea: “He has the best heart. And he is so good to me—even when I’m being the worst! It’s very impressive.”
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
Gary: “Finally being able to see my beautiful bride, and kissing my wife for the first time. And also the end – when I knew the planning part was finally over.”
Shea: “The entire day is one blissful memory. I could never pick just one moment! But standing in front of our friends and family as we became husband and wife is just about as sweet as it gets.”
photographer: Magnolia Adam’s Photography / venue: Gaillardia Country Club / floral designer: Everything Beautiful OKC / dress boutique: The Bridal Boutique / cake designer: Mishelle Handy Cakes / hair & makeup artist: Lexi Faught / men’s formalwear: Jos A Bank / photo booth: Snap Me Crazy Photo Booths / music: Oklahoma City String Quartet / band: HOOK with Box Talent / videography: Haley Odell / Invitations and Calligraphy: Rachel Kathryn Designs / film lab: Richard Photo Lab
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