Last weekend, I photographed Shannan and Jason’s ICONA Diamond Beach wedding in Wildwood Crest, NJ. Shannan and Jason are another one of my couple’s who’s original wedding plans were affected by COVID-19, their original plan was to have a May 30, 2020 wedding at the Windrift and then a September 4, 2020 wedding at ICONA Avalon to finally a September 5th, 2020 wedding at ICONA Diamond Beach. After three dates and three venues, they were most looking forward to starting this new chapter together and to celebrate with all of their favorite people, my happy couple was finally able to tie the knot and the wait was worth it!
Shannan and Jason’s love story began over 11 years ago in 8th grade science class. After mutual friends brought them closer together, Jason decided to ask Shannan out during a walk to 9th grade social studies. Eleven years later, they’ve moved into their first home, welcomed their adorable 90 pound puppy Sammy, opened a small business and just about finished eight years of pharmacy school.
The proposal: Shannan’s sister, Emily, asked her out for lunch and drinks on a sunny Sunday morning. While on a walk in Shannan’s favorite park, Valley Garden, their dog Sammy popped out from behind a tree with a sign that read, “Will You Marry My Dad?” Behind him, Jason came out from behind the tree with a ring in hand. After Sammy tried to eat the ring and box, Jason proposed while Shannan cried tears of joy.
Their intimate microwedding began in a suite at the ICONA Diamond Beach, upon arrival, Shannan asked me to photograph all three of her invitation suites for all three dates, they were all beautifully designed by the bride’s sister, so I was more than happy to comply! After hair and makeup was complete and the champagne was popped, it was time for Shannan to get dressed in the spacious bridal suite, we had beautiful natural light in this room and it was an amazing start to their perfect day.
After both Shannan and Jason were dressed, it was time for the first look on the beach followed by portraits. We had a perfect sunny day, that was not too windy, which led to amazing beach portraits. The ceremony at their ICONA Diamond Beach wedding was sweet and filled with hilarious stories of the bride and groom.
Shannan and Jason thought of every detail and had beautiful signage throughout thanks to the maid of honor and bride’s sister, Emily. Their open air outdoor reception was on the beach and with all the palm trees at the ICONA Diamond Beach, it felt like we were somewhere exotic. After sweet speeches and a lot of twirling during the special dances, they had a lively reception, Jason danced more than any groom I ever had and he had moves! It was a joy capturing their small reception on the beach!
Thank you to Shannan and Jason for postponing and not canceling, I am so excited to share their ICONA Diamond Beach wedding!
Contributing Vendors:
Photography: Susan Hennessey Photography
Venue: ICONA Diamond Beach
Wedding Dress: Claire’s Fashion – Essense of Australia D2363
Bridesmaid Dresses: Claire’s Fashion
Wedding Bands & Engagement Ring: Jared’s Jewelers
Menswear: The Black Tux
Invitations & Signage: Emily St. Design (the Bride’s sister)
Hair & Makeup: Duette Hair & Makeup
Florist: Leigh Florist
Cake: The Cake Boutique
DJ: Eclipse Entertainers, LLC
Officiant: Margaret Cullen
Are you planning an ICONA Diamond Beach wedding? Click here to view all of the beautiful Jersey Shore weddings I have photographed and if you’re planning a smaller celebration or microwedding, click here to view all the microweddings I have recently photographed! Ready for more info? Click here to fill out my contact form!