South Jersey Engagement Session Photography | Shawnee & Anthony

Earlier this Summer, I photographed Shawnee and Anthony’s engagement session photography in South Jersey. Shawnee and Anthony first met in 2016 at Spencer Gifts corporate office where they both work. Anthony knew of Shawnee before she knew of him. In July 2016 Spencer’s held their first-ever “Battle of the bands” after work, and Shawnee, a talented musician was one of the acts. He watched her perform from the cafeteria, turned to his friend and said, “I’m in love with this girl.” but it wasn’t until almost a year later that she actually met Anthony at one of the water fountains. He made fun of her hair and the rest is history.

It had only been one week of them casually chatting via text and in the hallways at work when Shawnee realized she didn’t want to wait for him to ask her out, so she asked him by texting him, “take me on a date.” He took her to the Ocean City boardwalk, where they played a round of mini golf, ate banana whip and curly fries, and took a walk on the beach where they had their first kiss. After their beach stroll, they rode the Ferris wheel and have been together every day since.

Shawnee knew that Anthony was the one “literally instantly”. Shawnee says that the day that she officially met him she went home to her mom and told her that he was placed in front of her. She has had a lot of loved ones pass away, and truly believes that they hand-picked Anthony for her because he is everything she has ever wanted and more.

Engaged on 06/08/2018, the proposal from Shawnee: “We decided to re-live our first date on our one year anniversary. We went back to the Ocean City Boardwalk and did everything all over again. We played a round of miniature golf, ate banana whip and curly fries and took a walk on the beach. Anthony took me to the place where we had our first kiss, and that’s where he proposed.”

Shawnee and Anthony are planning a an elegant and romantic wedding at Tomasello Winery for June 8th of next year. This date holds major significance to them because not only will it be their wedding anniversary, but it’s also the day they began dating and the date he proposed. Shawnee envisions their wedding day to have a short and sweet ceremony followed by a wild night of partying and dancing with their family and friends.

When they are not wedding planning, they love music – listening to it, playing it… Everything. They love covering songs together, going to concerts, and learning about new bands. Music always sounds better when they are together. Once married, they are looking forward to growing old together, traveling and playing more music.

Any advice for future bride’s planning?

Honestly, as I’m planning my wedding I am realizing how SIMPLE I want everything to be. I would say that it’s important for brides to stay true to themselves while planning. Don’t over do it because you feel like you have to. If you want to wear sneakers GO FOR IT. If you don’t want to have a weekend bachelorette party you don’t have to. I’m doing everything I want because it’s my day with the love of my life and the number one thing I want is to feel comfortable and have fun.

And finally, what are you most looking forward to about your wedding day?

Marrying the love of my life. Reading him the vows I wrote, and going to sleep that night as an Alberici.

Are you looking for engagement session photography inspiration? Click here to view my portfolio and if you’re ready for more info, click here to fill out my contact form!