April 19, 2008
FORTUNE OF LOVE
Walking down the street to their Chicago apartments in August 2007, Mike McNeil and Jennifer Shipley neared the elderly Jamaican fortune-teller they had seen many times before, sitting on his front porch calling to passerbys. On this particular evening the couple thought it might be a fun adventure to take the man up on his offer and see what he had to say about their future.
After a warm welcome, the fortune-teller began his
reading. Curiously enough, he began to conceive many imperceptible things about the two and the couple was immediately captivated. Of note, he informed Jen and Mike they needed more "green" in their lives and encouraged them to surround themselves with live plants and natural elements.
Looking Jen in the eyes, the fortune-teller then
predicted, "Something big is going to happen in your life...very soon."
Just three days after the reading, Mike surprised
unassuming Jen with her favorite flower, an orchid, and a beautiful engagement ring. He popped the question, "Will you marry me?" and just like that, "something big" happened indeed.
It doesn't take a crystal ball to recognize that Mike and Jen were made for one another. After noticing her smile across the bar in October 2006, Mike knew he must at least say "hello" to the beautiful girl he was drawn to. Jen remembers Mike's forward yet endearing approach, "He kept butting in our conversation and wouldn't stop talking!" Fortunately, Mike's persistence paid off and Jen was instantly intrigued. Not wanting
to call it a night, the newfound friends decided to enjoy each other's company and converse over some Mexican food following the bar.
It was love at first burrito.
From that point forward the couple became inseparable spending all of their free time together. Jen remembers the beginning of their relationship, "It was rare that we were ever apart." The more time spent together, the more they learned of bizarre commonalities. For example, a trip to their alma mater, Indiana University, led to the realization they had even lived in the same house while on campus, separated only by a couple years. Numerous surprising connections made the two believe early on, "this is meant to be."
Their fondness and respect for each other is transparent and their time spent together is always fulfilling and happy. “I knew I wanted to marry Jennifer the first night we met. Later, I realized how deeply happy and complete she makes me feel everyday,” Mike explains.
Just as the fortune teller advised, the couple surrounded themselves with “green” on their wedding day. Focusing on unique botanicals and earthy hues, guests delighted in a natural setting at the new Gillespie Conference
Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, located on St. Mary’s campus in South Bend. And, of course, Jen’s favorite bloom, the orchid, was the featured flower amongst wedding day designs.
Jen and Mike were wed April 19, 2008. May good
fortune continue to follow them.
St. Monica's Church
Mishawaka, IN
Reception Location:
The Hilton Garden Inn
Gillespie Conference Center
South Bend, IN
Caterer:
The Hilton Garden Inn
South Bend, IN
Photographer:
Studio This Is
Jeremy Bustos and Team
Valparaiso, IN
Videographer:
Tom Basker Video
South Bend, IN
Wedding Gown:
Alvina Valenta
Bridesmaids Gowns:
Barrie Pace, Online
Hair Stylist:
Beauty On Call
Kathy Battistoni
Chicago, IL
Nail Salon:
Angel Nail Spa
South Bend, IN
Tuxedos:
Bernardos
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding Rings:
L & P Jewelry
Shirley Kam
Chicago, IL
Bridesmaid's Jewelry:
GJen Designs by
Jenny McNeil
Mishawaka, IN
Flowers and Table Linens:
MichaelAngelos
"The Event Company"
South Bend, IN
Chair Covers:
Elegant Chair
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding Cake:
Macri's Italian Bakery
South Bend, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Carmela's Restaurant
South Bend, IN
Transportation:
Transpo Trolley
South Bend, IN
Honeymoon:
Thailand