Jessica Shoemaker & Todd Bennett

Our Story

Although Todd and Jessica have known each other for years, it wasn't until recently that they got to know each other more personally. Todd had always thought that Jess was such a beautiful young woman but never had the courage to strike up a conversation with her. Around two summers ago, Jessica posted a comment on Facebook about not being ready for the summertime to be over. A mutual friend of Todd and Jess's responded to her comment and invited her out for wings with him and some other mutual friends of theirs. Todd saw this post and also urged Jess to gather up all her spare change and to come on out for some wings. During that night, it was like Jess and Todd were just drawn to each other.

For about a week after that first time hanging out, Todd and Jess exchanged emails back and forth. Todd then invited Jess out for karaoke. Jess was in awe, because she loves karaoke and she usually is the one trying to drag people out to sing. Yet, here was this intelligent, funny, good-looking guy who liked to sing too! That night they hit it off even more. Jess was even shocked when Todd showed up wearing a Green Day t-shirt, which just happened to one of her favorite bands. Still to this day Jess loves Todd's stance up at the microphone and the way he can sing “Ballroom Blitz."

Todd and Jess had such a good time that night that a week later Todd decided to ask Jess out on their first "official date". Todd wanted to take her out to dinner, and suggested going out for sushi. Jess couldn't stand the thought of eating raw fish, but decided to give it a try because Todd loved it so much. They both had such a good time getting to know each other that night.

Before Todd moved back to Altoona, he was living in Pittsburgh at the time, so they tried to see each other whenever they could. Not even after a month of dating Todd invited Jess out to Pittsburgh for the first time for the weekend. That weekend was so much fun for the both of them. He surprised her with a trip on the Gateway Clipper, Pirates game and afterwards strolling on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. This date was the best date that Jess had ever been on, and a big part of that reason was because of the person she was with. This one weekend would set the tone for the great things that would be a part of their relationship. Todd always enjoyed when Jess would drive out to Pittsburgh on a Friday and they would spend hours at the Squirrel Hill Cafe and how they would spend the next day doing things around the city such as seeing the city from the Mount Washington overlooks.

The main thing about their relationship is how much they love being with each other and how lucky they both feel to have finally, after all these years, gotten to know each other. No other person can make Jessica laugh the way that Todd does. Todd is so glad that he finally had the nerve to ask Jess on their first date and even out to wings that two summers ago. They both feel so lucky to be marrying their best friend.

Our Wedding

Penn State Altoona Edith Davis Eve Chapel

3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601

Ceremony begins at 4:00pm

Our Reception

Unter Uns Society Club

1401 Van Buren Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602

Reception begins at 6:00pm

A Special Message From Us

Thank you for sharing this very special day with us. We are so excited to spend it with our friends and family who mean so much to us.