Shiba & Jon

Sunday, the fourth of October, 2026, at Ashton Gardens in Corinth, Texas

A keepsake of your wedding day: the story we told, the words you heard, and the promises you made, so you can come back to them whenever you like.

Chapter I

Concerning pie

Every great story has a beginning. Yours began at a Plano Police Association board meeting. Jon remembers Shiba crossing that room in slow motion. The host pointed her to the only open seat, which happened to be next to his. His opening line was a recommendation: try the strawberry rhubarb pie.

It wasn't a straight road from there. You took your time, and that turned out to be the point.

  1. The board meeting One open seat, one slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.
  2. Separate roads Jon cheered Shiba on toward her career goals, and she moved to Celina PD. He even tried to set her up with a friend, then thought better of it.
  3. “You just need a friend” Jon noticed something was off and asked. Shiba was in a hard season. He gave her his number.
  4. Monday mornings Coffee dates became the highlight of the week. Shiba still talks about rounding the corner and seeing Jon’s face light up.
  5. Ashton Gardens, Corinth October 4, 2026. Husband and wife.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. Gandalf

You two decided to spend yours on Monday-morning coffee. You still bring it up every time you pass a coffee shop.

Chapter II

As you see each other

Before the wedding I asked each of you what you admire most about the other. Here is what you said.

Shiba, on Jon

  • He’s intentional. He won’t give an off-the-cuff answer when a thoughtful one is possible, and he doesn’t take shortcuts.
  • In a disagreement, he’s the first to say, “Let’s take a minute to pray.”
  • He makes you more courageous and inspires you to be a better woman.
  • With him there’s no confusion. You know you’re loved, and for the first time you know the path you’re on.
  • He has joy despite everything he’s been through, and he finds the humor in it all.
In three words Devoted, tender, and your shield. “An unshakable barrier between me and the world.”

Jon, on Shiba

  • She’s deeply independent. She doesn’t need anyone to protect her, and she knows how to take care of herself.
  • She knows how to make someone feel loved and cared for.
  • Without a word, she can read what you’re feeling.
In his words His place of peace, his calm in the storm. His most peaceful moments are simply being with her.
Chapter III

Shield and shelter

Shiba doesn’t need a protector, and she chose one anyway. Jon, you are her shield. Shiba, you are Jon’s Rivendell, the place where a weary traveler finally rests.

Chapter IV

The fellowship gathered

Before anything else, you stopped, took a breath, and turned around to look at the room. Every person there chose to be there for you.

You shall be the fellowship of the ring. Elrond

Then we worshiped together.

  • Corrina read Isaiah 43:15–19 and Isaiah 60:19–22.
  • Pastor Nathan led “Goodness of God” and “Christ Is My Firm Foundation.”

God said He was doing a new thing, and we sang that Christ is our firm foundation. Your marriage is that new thing, built on that foundation. Scripture charged you both from Ephesians 5.

Ephesians 5

21…submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

25For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her…

31“A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”

33So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Shiba, you told me Jon is the first to say, “Let’s take a minute to pray.” That’s verse 21 lived out. Keep doing that. It will carry you further than any road you walk alone.

Chapter V

Two rings on two chains

There were no ring bearers. You carried your rings yourselves, on chains, close to your hearts. Many of us know another story about a ring carried on a chain, one made to rule and to bind in darkness. Yours are different. They don’t rule; they serve. They bind in covenant, in the light, before God. They represent something far more… dare I say… precious.

Jon, to Shiba

Shiba, you are now my wife·and I will be your husband from this moment on·and I give you this ring as my pledge of love·and as the symbol of our unity·both with God and with one another·and with this ring, I thee wed.

Shiba, to Jon

Jon, you are now my husband·and I will be your wife from this moment on·and I give you this ring as my pledge of love·and as the symbol of our unity·both with God and with one another·and with this ring, I thee wed.

Chapter VI

“I can carry you”

Near the end of the journey, when Frodo couldn’t take another step, Sam picked him up.

I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you. Samwise Gamgee

That’s what your vows are. You won’t always be able to carry each other’s burdens away, but you can carry each other. Before God and everyone you love, each of you promised to love, comfort, honor and keep the other, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for better and for worse, in sadness and in joy, as long as you both shall live.

You both said, “I do.”

Chapter VII

Joined

May you always share with each other the gifts of love, being one in heart and in mind. May your home, your family, and all that you put your hands to be blessed. May your fellowship never be broken.

There’s some good in this world… and it’s worth fighting for. Samwise Gamgee

On the hard days, remember that this marriage is worth fighting for. What God has joined together, let no one put asunder.

Presented for the first time as husband and wifeJon & Shiba Hoffman