Shannon Coffey and Mike Starkey
The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel’s rooftop terrace was the perfect setting for Shannon Coffey and Mike Starkey’s rustic and elegant wedding, complete with blush, blue and gold florals from Blushington Blooms. After a meaningful first look, the ceremony featured a touching sand ceremony uniting Shannon, Mike and Shannon’s son, Carter, as a family. Highlights of the lively reception included personalized wedding cakes from Sugar Bee Sweets and memorable mother/son dances. Join us for an exclusive Q&A with the bride as we dive into the details of their special day.
the couple. Shannon Coffey & Mike Starkey
the venue. The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel
the planner/designer.
the photos. Luisa & Douglas
The Love Story
We met on Match! Some of my friends at school encouraged me to get on Match. As a single mom, I didn’t have just a ton of time but also I wasn’t just “dating to have fun.” We are both huge foodies. We would talk for hours and literally shut restaurants down just talking. Talking was just so easy and effortless and like we had known each other for 100 years.
The Proposal
Mike took me to my favorite restaurant. When we got back to his house he had candles and three roses in a vase to symbolize my son Carter, himself and myself creating a new family! It was so special!
The Wedding Venue
We knew that we were going to have many guests coming in from out of town because we have many out-of-town family members and friends. When we saw pictures of the terrace, it was an absolute done deal on both of our parts!
The Vibe
Mix of rustic elegance.
The Photography
We knew that we wanted two photographers. Within the first five seconds of Luisa and Douglas they gave such a sense of understanding and excitement. They are truly one of kind and still can’t believe that they chose to do our wedding and engagement photos! They are truly so talented, had the best ideas, and we just loved their vision.
The Dress
Elizabeth Lee Bridal. I actually had to get two different dresses because I had lost weight during our wedding planning. They ordered me a new gown a month out from our date! I wanted something flowy and sophisticated and my dress is truly something I couldn’t have dreamed of!
The Accessories
I had a hairpiece from Elizabeth Lee Bridal.
The Bridesmaids
We used Azazie for the bridesmaids. I chose their navy, but let them choose the dress that made them feel most beautiful.
The Groomsmen
We used Men’s Wearhouse for the suits.
The Wedding Rings
Robbins Brothers
The Hair and Makeup
My biggest want when I was figuring out my hair and makeup was I wanted to look like myself, however, I also didn’t want to be hot.
The Stationery
We used Zazzle for all of our stationery!
The Florals
Blushington Blooms. Our colors for florals were blue and white and bits of gold.
The Morning Of
In the bridal suite, all of the girls came and got ready and we had mimosas, charcuterie boards, food and music. It was the best morning!
The Ceremony
The most special moment in our ceremony was when Mike, Carter and I did a sand ceremony to signify us becoming a new family.
The Reception
DJ Nate did the most incredible job with the music. My favorite part was the mother/son dances Carter and I got to do with Mike and his mom. It was so special.
The Planning
Jennifer Cianciolo at the Worthington, Georgette Poole from Sarabeth Events
The Cake
Sugar Bee Sweets. We had the absolute coolest wedding cakes! Mike’s was a whiskey barrel that people thought was an actual barrel! Mine was plain white with flowers.
The Food
The chef at The Worthington Renaissance
The Entertainment
Le Force Entertainment — DJ Nate Nelson
The Favorite Moment
Our first look. It was so special! We went back and forth on whether or not we wanted to have one because we didn’t want to take the specialness out of seeing each other for the first time. I am so happy that we did. If I’m being honest, as I was getting done with my hair and makeup, I could see chairs getting set up below and I was getting nervous. Not about marrying Mike, but just the 111 people who were going to watch me walk down the aisle. When Mike turned around, I didn’t care if 800 people were at our wedding. I was just happy to see my human!
The Honeymoon
We had originally planned to go to Maui for our honeymoon. However, with the awful fires, our hotel shut down so we went to Kauai. It was so amazing! We went to luaus, rum and chocolate tastings, laid by the pool, went to the beach, ate the greatest food! I wouldn’t change it for the world.
The Advice
Make the most detailed budget you possibly can BEFORE getting into the planning.
The Vendors
Wedding Vendors
VENUE The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel
PLANNING + DESIGN Sarabeth & Co., Georgette Poole
PHOTOGRAPHY Luisa & Douglas
FLORAL Blushington Blooms
RENTALS May I Serve U Rentals
LINENS Nuage Designs
ENTERTAINMENT LeForce Entertainment
CAKE Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery
HAIR + MAKEUP Angela Karr