A love story worth rooting for ❤️


Hey Reader!

If you had told me years ago that a dating app swipe would lead me here, I would have laughed.

Back then, I was a single mom, a little guarded, and a lot unsure if love was still in the cards for me. But then came René — a kind, funny, Deaf man whose presence felt like home from day one. Coffee dates turned into blended-family chaos, a wedding pivot, and now… a place in the Quarterfinals of America’s Favorite Couple 2025.

We started this competition as just one of over 10,000 couples. Thanks to the incredible support of friends, family, and even strangers who connected with our story, we’re now down to 116 couples.

Today at 12PM CST, voting resets to ZERO — and only one couple in each group will move on to the next round. Every single vote matters more than ever.

Here’s how you can help:

1️⃣ Vote once a day starting today at 12 PM CST — save this link now: shannon-and-rene
2️⃣ Join our Day 1 Surge Squad — the first 24 hours will set the tone for the whole round.
3️⃣ Share our story with 3 friends who believe in second chances, love after 40, or Deaf awareness.

📌 Stay updated + see new videos & behind-the-scenes moments here: Read Our Story & Updates on the Blog

💌 Want a quick daily reminder so you never miss a vote? Click here to get on our Daily Vote Reminder List

We’ve learned that love doesn’t always show up when you expect it, but when it does… it’s worth fighting for. Thank you for helping us keep showing the world that love truly has no expiration date.

With gratitude,

Shannon & René

Shannon O’Malley

Twin Cities Online Dating Photographer

P.S. Tomorrow morning, every single vote could be the difference between our love story moving forward or ending here. If you’ve ever believed in second chances, we’d be honored to have yours. ❤️

Emery Village, Champlin, MN 55316
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SHANNON O'MALLEY | SHANNON KATHLEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi, I’m Shannon of Shannon Kathleen Photography — a portrait confidence coach and photographer helping real people show up authentically, whether they’re dating, rebranding, or rediscovering themselves. I specialize in online dating portraits that blend psychology, natural light, and storytelling — helping you attract real connection (not just clicks). Get my free Self-Love Workbook + Affirmations Audio to start showing up with confidence — in photos and in life. Based in the Twin Cities | Relocating to Dallas in 2026. Photographer or creative? Check out my AI Discovery Checklist to help your brand get found online.

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