Shannon and Joe’s story starts way back in middle school – when they were just 12 years old sitting in the same math class in their small Ohio hometown. At that age, they were simply friends who knew each other from school. But over time, that familiar face in class slowly turned into something much more.
By the time they were 16, they started dating – and the rest is history! Joe is actually the only boyfriend Shannon has ever had (cue all the heart-emojis). They went to prom together, experienced all the big high school milestones side by side, and grew up together in the process. Their relationship has this beautiful kind of ease to it that only comes from knowing someone for that long.
During our time together celebrating their engagement, it was so obvious how deeply they understand each other. At one point, I prompted Joe to whisper something in Shannon’s ear to make her laugh, and without a second of hesitation, he immediately knew exactly what to say. Shannon burst out laughing, and it was one of those little moments that perfectly captured the rhythm they’ve built together over the years.
Shannon used to joke that their high school dynamic was basically Troy and Gabriella. She was in drama club, and Joe was the head of the basketball team – two very different worlds that somehow fit together perfectly.
These days, their shared adventures go far beyond Pittsburgh or Ohio. Shannon and Joe love to travel and have already explored so many places together around the world. One of their big goals before starting a family is to visit all 50 states – something they’ve already starting working toward, one trip at a time!
Before their session, Shannon warned me that Joe hates having his photo taken – but honestly, you never would have guessed it! From the moment we started, he was smiling, pulling Shannon in close, twirling her around, and making her laugh the whole time. It all felt incredibly natural. As it turns out, Joe absolutely loves the location we chose: the Roberto Clemente Bridge with the Pittsburgh skyline in the background. And with one of those gorgeous, sunny late-summer evenings that Pittsburgh does so well, he admitted he just couldn’t help himself – he was having too much fun to remember that he hated having his photo taken!
