Opposites definitely attract…of course, it helps if there’s overlap, too!
Though Shannon and Justin knew each other in high school, it wasn’t until after college while at a mutual friend’s gala that they really met. They ended up talking all night! Shannon says she knew Justin was her person for life because “Justin is my better half. He grounds me in all aspects of life. You could say we’re opposites—an introvert vs extrovert. But we were able to fit into each other’s lives easily. We have similar passions and goals while always putting each other first.”
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter Bridal via Gamberdella | photographer: Chelsea Blanch Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
Justin grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and he and Shannon love the water and the summertime. When they pictured their wedding, they knew they wanted an end-of-summer party complete with orange crushes and bright summer colors. And that’s exactly what their celebration at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club was! Well, that, and a sweet homage to their love story and everyone that brought them to this next step in their lives together.
Shares Shannon, “My ‘something blue’ was a blue ribbon on my bouquet that was part of my great-grandmother’s dress. My Aunt gave me a diamond bracelet as ‘something borrowed’ on my wrist as it sparkled down the aisle. There were pink tulips lying on a rocking chair facing the ceremony for our grandparents and family members that had passed with a sign that said, ‘Our angels, may they have the best seat in the house.’”
Our thoughtful bride also planned a surprise first dance with her mom. “She was shocked and thankful that she was honored in that way after planning the whole wedding with me. The mom needs more of a moment!”
Read more about their wedding day, how our bride found the perfect dress, and why her veil is missing from our lovely bride below.
How did you two get engaged?
“Justin proposed on the Fells Point pier where we like to take our nightly walks. He surprised me with a photographer and dinner with our parents after we walked the promenade to Harbor East.”
What is your favorite thing about each other?
“I love how driven and passionate Justin is in all walks of life, work or personal goals. He is the most selfless person. Justin loves Shannon’s smile, personality and laughter during any scenario or after a long day.”
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“I wanted a gown that was timeless, simple yet flattering to my figure. I loved the sleek, elegant look to my dress paired against Justin’s navy-blue tux giving a timeless look. Something I can’t wait to look back on for years to come.”
Tell us about your day!
“I love that looking back on our wedding day we were together. Some couples lose track of each other when chatting with their sides of the family. We promised to stick together and it made every interaction so fun as each friend was excited to celebrate with us together in the moment! Our favorite moment of the wedding day was our vows. It was private, sentimental, and meaningful to have that moment just for us. It helped with the jitters! Once I saw Justin, I wasn’t nervous about the next event. It was party time!”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“The funniest moments were getting ready with my bridesmaids. Laughing and doing hair and make-up. We loved the dance floor! Our cousins are wild after a few beers and the band pumping! I loved seeing my dad’s reaction to my dress. His tears were so genuine and sincere. We had a few giggles afterwards because of how amazing the moment was.”
What was your first dance song?
“Let Loose by Mt. Joy, Justin’s favorite.”
What was one detail you couldn’t live without?
“I look back and realize we never stopped smiling the whole night. Everything went perfect. I loved our champagne tower. It brought our bridal party back together for a quick cheers before we were announced to the dance floor.”
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
“We asked a few close family members to read scripture passages at our wedding. We loved involving other family and friends that have made an impact on our life. I planned a surprise first dance with my mom. She was shocked and thankful that she was honored in that way after planning the whole wedding with me. The mom needs more of a moment!
My favorite moment was our last dance. It was just Justin and I and the band. The whole party had gone to the buses. That moment was pure bliss and big smiles and hugs.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“Croatia! We had a Friday wedding, Saturday day party and Sunday to spend at home unpacking/repacking before flying out on Monday evening. Croatia was split between 3 cities. We loved seeing different islands and exploring together.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Some things will just go wrong. I forgot my veil in my closet. Never even wore it. But things happen for a reason! The veil would have covered my pony tail… so maybe it was for the best!
Enjoy the actual wedding with your husband/wife. Make moments for just the 2 of you (last dance was our favorite, first look with our vows also our favorite, both moments just for us).”
Shannon + Justin’s Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter Bridal via Gamberdella | photographer: Chelsea Blanch Photography | venue: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club | wedding planner: Shannon’s mom! | florals: Petals of Joy | videographer: ACEVA Films | artwork + invitations: Josie George Designs | band: Bachelor Boys Band | decor: Pixie Designs by PK | ring: Smyth Jewelers | honeymoon travel agent: Heidi Burke Travel
