Andrew + Shaniece | Married

Weddings

***A Stoltzfus Homestead + Gardens Wedding | Lancaster, Pennsylvania***

We always love having our couples walk us through their wedding day. Some couples give us a detailed list of each moment and everything they felt that day. Some give just a few bullet points. No matter what they tell us, we always love it. Shaniece and Andrew’s description of their wedding day had us laughing and almost crying. They had a lot of funny things to tell us, but they also had some deeply emotional moments that made us see they have a marriage that’s strong and secure, and they’ll have many happy years loving and depending on each other.

You may remember their story from last year’s blog. They met on campus at Penn State University and began dating at the beginning of the pandemic. With so much time on their hands, they got to know each other quickly and knew they were meant to be after just a few months of dating.

They chose Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens as their wedding venue, and as always, it was an amazing day, at a stunning location!

The way Shaniece tells her view of the day is so touching and sweet…and also really funny at some points. It all started when she got her hair stuck in the garage door opener on the morning of the wedding. I’m not exactly sure how that happened, but evidently Shaniece is known for finding herself in interesting situations. Grandma came to the rescue and finally she was on her way to become to Mrs. Hamilton. Thankfully, she doesn’t get stressed out too easily and this small bump in the road is now a funny memory.

The entire morning for the Shaniece was surreal. She couldn’t believe the day had finally come for her to promise Andrew forever. Even with a few last minute cancellations, she was able to focus on the purpose of the day…saying “I do” to the love of her life. One of the things she was excited to see was how her bridesmaids dresses came together. She had only told them what color dresses to get and let them choose whatever dress they wanted. She was so excited to see what they picked, and was happy they could wear something they felt amazing and confident in. It was such a unique idea, and they pulled it off beautifully. The dresses were stunning and everyone’s colors added to the vibrant happy feeling of the day.

Andrew and Shaniece decided not to have a first look before the wedding and you can see the stunned look of admiration on his face when Andrew first saw his bride as the barn doors opened and she walked toward him. Shaniece barely remembers walking down the aisle because of all the excitement she was feeling. She does remember looking around the room and seeing all the people that helped her grow into the woman she is today. Seeing Andrew waiting for her was unreal and she couldn’t believe they had finally made it to this point.

The ceremony was sentimental, sweet and full of all the love they felt for one another. It was extra special since Shaniece’s PawPaw officiated it. With a sand ceremony (that also had a funny ending), beautiful vows of love and some very special prayers, the wedding was exactly what they had hoped for. At the reception, Shaniece remembers sitting with her new husband, and marveling at all the people who had come to support them. She and Andrew had never felt so loved and sharing that moment of thankfulness and awe together was amazing. The reception was a lot of fun. With dancing, yard games and good food, everyone had a great time. They were able to take a few quiet moments and reflect on the day, their happiness together and their honeymoon plans!

Andrew’s reflections on the day are similar. He says, “When the day finally came, I was super nervous. I ended up staying with Shaniece’s dad the night before the wedding, and the morning of, I took my groomsmen out for a breakfast. After that, we went to the venue to sit and wait for the wedding! Oh my gosh! Walking up to the ceremony I was so nervous. I couldn’t believe how fast the time went before our date! It was such a beautiful wedding day. Shaniece looked so beautiful and I felt like it couldn’t have gone any better! I honestly don’t remember a whole lot because I was so focused on her that day. It was amazing to see family and friends that love and support us. One of my favorite things about our wedding day was seeing everyone who came. I was so touched they were there for us. It was a beautiful wedding day all around and I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.”

Shaniece ended by saying she felt like a princess, and her wedding day was everything she could have ever asked for. Now, their apartment is filled with beautiful wedding pictures that always make her smile.

It was such an honor to be a part of your special day, Andrew and Shaniece. May God bless you with many years of happiness and love!